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The British government is set to progress with using the full worth of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine's defense operations, Leader Sir Keir Starmer has announced.

In a joint statement, the heads of state of the UK, the French Republic, and the Federal Republic of Germany asserted that this coordinated action would heighten pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and urge the Russian Federation to come to the table.

They further noted that the move would be executed in tight collaboration with the US.

United Kingdom penalties have immobilized over £25bn of Russian resources since Russia launched its widespread offensive against the Ukrainian nation in 2022. Yet, until now, money sent to Ukraine using Russia's assets had solely been drawn from profits and interest generated on them.

Sir Keir informed President Volodymyr Zelensky that the UK, the French Republic, and Germany were aligned in their desire to advance efforts toward using the total worth of the immobilized Russia's state assets to halt hostilities.

He stated that more restrictions in the coming days and weeks would apply more pressure on Russia.

This statement follows EU officials met in Copenhagen recently to debate using frozen Russian holdings for a €140 billion loan to the Ukrainian nation.

In the previous month, American leader Donald Trump encouraged Group of Seven partners to seize or employ immobilized Russia's assets, as reported by media sources.

The total of frozen Russian funds in the EU is assessed to be nearly €211bn.

Leader Zelensky encourages Britain's Sir Keir Starmer to join the weapons procurement programme

The Russian government carried out large-scale missile and drone strikes throughout the Ukrainian territory on that day, causing power cuts in large parts of Ukraine's capital, the city, and several other zones.

Two people were lost their lives and at least 20 people were injured in the attack, authorities in Ukraine said.

In a message on X after the incident, Zelensky wrote that the strategic strike focused on non-military and power facilities.

"What is required is not just talk but firm measures - from the US, EU, and the G7 - in supplying air defence systems and applying restrictions," he emphasized.

"All penalty impositions undermines the Russian war effort," Zelensky declared, in a separate post.

In the same period, Zelensky stated to the press he would encourage Sir Keir to enter the PURL programme, under which Nato countries purchase weapons from the United States to provide to the Ukrainian forces.

While praising the UK's consistent assistance for Kyiv, he said it should demonstrate clearly that it would engage in the system, as well as enforce further measures on Moscow.

Large-Scale Assaults Disrupt Electricity in Kyiv and Nationwide

• Conflict in Ukraine
• France
• Federal Republic of Germany
• Russia
• Ukraine