Sir Keir Starmer has met Volodymyr Zelensky in London ahead of a meeting of allies aimed at boosting Ukraine's defences and increasing pressure on Moscow. The Prime Minister welcomed the Ukrainian president to Downing Street on Friday for talks focused on long-range weapons supplies and economic measures against Russia.
Discussions include efforts to remove Russian oil and gas from global markets and using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defence. The meeting, part of the 'coalition of the willing' initiative led by Sir Keir and France's Emmanuel Macron, involves around 20 leaders, with some attending in person and others joining remotely.
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Premier Dick Schoof, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte have arrived in London for the talks. Sir Keir noted that 'huge steps forward' have been taken this week to support Kyiv, but added that there is 'further we can do' on long-range capability.
The Prime Minister condemned Vladimir Putin's 'absolute unwillingness to engage' and his continued attacks on civilians and children. He expressed condolences to President Zelensky for the losses suffered by Ukraine and emphasised the need to bear down on Russian oil and gas revenues.
