European leaders were gathering in the British capital for a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow over its war against Ukraine.
The talks, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, were expected to focus on how to “pile pressure on Putin as he continues to kill innocent civilians with indiscriminate attacks across Ukraine, including hitting a nursery filled with toddlers and children this week,” Starmer’s office said.
The meeting follows what Downing Street described as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to engage with recent US proposals for peace.
“The only person involved in this conflict who does not want to stop the war is President Putin,” Starmer said in a statement. “His depraved strikes on young children in a nursery this week make that crystal clear.”
“From the battlefield to the global markets, we must ratchet up the pressure on Russia and build on President Trump’s decisive action,” Starmer added, referring to Washington’s new sanctions this week on Russia’s two largest oil companies.
The European Union also approved its 19th sanctions package against Moscow, targeting Russia's energy sector, earlier this week.
According to the British government, Ukraine’s allies are accelerating efforts to use frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv’s defence, a move described as unprecedented.
Zelensky, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte were expected to attend the meeting in person, while about 20 other leaders planned to join virtually.
Discussions will focus on strengthening Ukraine’s defences for the winter, reducing global dependence on Russian oil and gas, and finalising plans to unlock billions of pounds in Russian sovereign assets to finance Ukraine’s war effort, according to the British Prime Minister's Office.
Leaders are also expected to consider measures to better protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which Russia continues to target in systematic strikes.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, triggering the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.
Friday marks day 1,339 of Russia's war on Ukraine.
(gs)
Source: Reuters, PAP, gov.uk