In a remarkable gesture of solidarity, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a cabinet meeting today. The call is part of a wider effort to demonstrate the UK's support for Ukraine and introduce new initiatives aimed at undermining Russia's ability to circumvent shipping sanctions.
The meeting follows Starmer's recent meeting with European leaders at Blenheim Palace and marks a continued effort to boost Britain's influence on the world stage. Zelensky's appearance at the Cabinet meeting will be a historic event, as US President Bill Clinton was the last foreign leader to address the British Cabinet in 1997.
During Zelensky's visit, the UK is expected to issue a “call to action” against Russia's use of a “parallel fleet” of around 600 oil tankers that has been instrumental in sanctions violations. The British government has already sanctioned 11 ships involved in transporting Russians, bolstering its stance against Russia's military aggression in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Starmer has insisted that Ukraine remains at the center of his government's agenda. He pledged that the UK would step up efforts to undermine Russia's military capabilities in the coming months. It includes a new defense export support agreement, which is expected to be signed by defense ministers, allowing Ukraine to access £3.5 billion ($4.5 billion) in export financing. The agreement was designed to stimulate the defense industries of both countries and increase their productivity.
Support for Ukraine has been a consistent policy for the UK, even amid recent government change. Starmer, who won a remarkable election victory earlier this month, pledged the UK's unwavering commitment to Kiev. At a NATO meeting last week, he reiterated a pledge made by his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, to provide Ukraine with £3bn of annual military aid by the 2030-31 financial year, and more if needed.
Efforts against the Russian “shadow fleet” involve sharing data to identify individual tankers and take appropriate action against them. These efforts are part of a wider campaign by the United Kingdom and its European allies
Reuters contributed to this article.
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