Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky undertook highly effective soft diplomacy when he met King Charles at Windsor. This will be their third time together this year. At the center of discussions was the tragic and ongoing crisis in Ukraine, following Russia’s full-scale invasion that started in February 2022. Zelensky needed sharp relief on military stuff, and he pushed home the need to keep up pressure on Russia to stop the fighting.
During a joint press conference in London with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Zelensky warned that Russia “wants to make the winter cold a tool of torment.” He stressed the need for ongoing international assistance as Ukraine prepares for an even tougher winter this year.
Starmer articulated the coalition’s commitment, stating that targeting Russia’s sovereign assets could “unlock billions to help finance Ukraine’s defence.” This Member State approach reinforces the new political commitments made by over 20 countries. On the latter, they remain committed to outlasting Putin by keeping Russian oil and gas on global markets. The UK and the US have already sanctioned Russia’s two largest oil companies, while the European Union has targeted Moscow’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
Alliance of countries standing together and support of Ukraine has resulted in the agreement. They know what to expect for military and financial assistance at least through the end of this year. This plan includes strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses as Russia escalates its military actions, including recent guided bomb strikes on Ukrainian regions.
An extension of these growing efforts, Zelensky called attention to the humanitarian consequences of the war. He stated, “We’re choking off funding for Russia’s war machine,” underscoring the importance of economic sanctions in supporting Ukraine’s defense.
The situation remains dire, particularly following a recent Russian airstrike that struck a kindergarten in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, causing widespread condemnation and highlighting the threat to civilians.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has made a chilling public threat. He recently remarked that any particular weapon employed against Russian territory should expect an “overwhelming” reaction, raising the stakes dramatically. The war and its consequences have forced global leaders to reevaluate how they can best continue to support Ukraine.