Zelenskyy, British PM discuss support for Ukrainian defense industry, sanctions, JEF summit
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during which the parties discussed continued cooperation and contributions to Ukrainian weapons production, sanctions against the shadow fleet of the Russian Federation and the summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in Estonia.
"The Head of State thanked for the defense, political and economic support provided by the United Kingdom, in particular, for the package announced on December 19 to strengthen the Ukrainian Navy. The President also noted the government's decision to send a loan of GBP 2 billion, the repayment of which will take place with funds from frozen Russian assets, for the Ukrainian production of weapons," the press service of the President’s Office reported on Monday.
The parties also paid attention to strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation and, in particular, the shadow tanker fleet of the Russian Federation. Zelenskyy stressed that it is necessary to limit the use of Russian tankers as much as possible, which will reduce the ability of the Russian Federation to finance the war.
During the conversation, the parties discussed the leaders' meetings in Brussels and the JEF summit in Estonia, as well as the efforts needed to strengthen Ukraine. Zelenskyy noted that the Ukrainian state is interested in expanding cooperation with JEF and full membership in the organization.
He also invited Starmer to visit Ukraine again.