British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday called on Western allies to “finish the job” on unlocking frozen Russian assets and to step up military support for Ukraine, as he met President Volodymyr Zelensky in London.
Speaking after a meeting with Zelensky at his Downing Street residence, Starmer said there was more that could be done to strengthen Kyiv’s long-range strike capability and secure lasting defence guarantees.
“I think there’s further we can do on capability, particularly long-range capability,” Starmer said. “And when it comes to Russian assets, the UK is ready to move in tandem with the EU to get those funds flowing to Ukraine as fast as possible.”
The United States and European Union this week unveiled fresh sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, while EU leaders moved closer to funding Ukraine’s defence for another two years — though they stopped short of approving a proposed €140 billion “reparations loan” backed by frozen Russian assets.
Starmer, who embraced Zelensky upon his arrival at Downing Street, described the week’s developments as “huge steps forward” for Ukraine.
The London talks also drew top European leaders, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, with others — including French President Emmanuel Macron — joining virtually.
Earlier in the day, Zelensky met King Charles III, their third meeting this year.
Belgium Objects to Frozen Assets Plan
EU leaders have frozen around €200 billion in Russian central bank assets since the invasion began, but Belgium, which holds the majority of those funds, has raised legal objections to using them to fund Ukraine.
The European Commission is expected to present new options “as soon as possible” for financial support.
Despite the lack of a formal breakthrough, Zelensky welcomed the EU’s latest move as a show of “political support” for the proposal.
US Reluctance and Missile Demands
The diplomatic push followed Zelensky’s visit to Washington last week, where President Donald Trump rebuffed requests for Tomahawk long-range missiles. The Ukrainian leader has been urging allies to expand weapons supplies as Russia continues its relentless assault on Ukraine’s energy grid.
The UK and France already supply Storm Shadow and Scalp missiles, while Kyiv continues to press Germany to release its Taurus system — a step Berlin fears could escalate tensions with Moscow.
Starmer also announced an “acceleration” of Britain’s air defence missile production, pledging to deliver over 5,000 weapons, including 140 lightweight multirole missiles, to Ukraine this winter.
“This is about ensuring Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself and to win,” Starmer said.
