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The United Kingdom is set to progress with using the entire amount of frozen Russia's funds to bolster the Ukrainian war effort, Leader Sir Keir Starmer has declared.

In a collective announcement, the leaders of the United Kingdom, the French Republic, and Germany emphasized that this joint measure would increase strain on Russia's leader Vladimir Putin and persuade Russia to participate in talks.

They added that the decision would be implemented in strong partnership with the United States.

UK sanctions have frozen more than £25bn of Russia's assets since the Russian government initiated its full-scale invasion against the Ukrainian nation in 2022. Yet, up to this point, funds allocated to Ukraine using Russian assets had exclusively been sourced from profits and interest accrued on them.

Sir Keir assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the Britain, France, and Germany were united in their desire to advance efforts toward employing the complete amount of the frozen Russian sovereign funds to conclude the conflict.

He added that additional restrictions soon would apply more pressure on the Russian government.

This statement is subsequent to EU leaders gathered in Copenhagen last week to discuss employing frozen Russia's funds for a 140-billion-euro loan to Ukraine.

Recently, US President Donald Trump called on international partners to take or employ frozen Russian holdings, based on media sources.

The total of seized Russia's assets in the EU is calculated to be approximately €211bn.

Leader Zelensky urges UK's Sir Keir Starmer to take part in the weapons procurement initiative

The Russian government launched large-scale aerial attacks throughout Ukraine on Friday, leading to power cuts in many areas of the capital city, the city, and multiple additional areas.

Two people were fatally injured and no fewer than 20 people were injured in the assault, the Ukrainian government reported.

In a post on X after the strike, Zelensky commented that the cynical and calculated attack focused on civilian and energy infrastructure.

"What's needed is not mere statements but firm measures - from the US, Europe, and the seven nations - in providing anti-aircraft weapons and applying penalties," he stated.

"All penalty impositions undermines Moscow's military apparatus," Zelensky declared, in a separate post.

Also on Friday, Zelensky informed the press he would encourage Sir Keir to participate in the PURL programme, under which Nato countries acquire arms from the US to provide to Ukraine.

While applauding the UK's firm backing for Kyiv, he noted it should indicate firmly that it would participate in the initiative, as well as apply further sanctions on Russia.

Significant Attacks Cut Power in the Capital and Nationwide

• War in Ukraine
• French Republic
• Federal Republic of Germany
• Russia
• Ukrainian Nation