The UK has pledged support for Ukrainian families affected by Russian attacks on critical power infrastructure through a significant two-year energy agreement. Keir Starmer, the UK’s Prime Minister, revealed plans to supply power to Ukraine’s nuclear facilities for the next two years to ensure access to electricity during the G7 summit in Evian, France. The UK’s initiative aims to safeguard Ukraine’s energy needs through the upcoming winters.
During the summit, Mr. Starmer introduced a £210 million support package, urging global leaders to enhance efforts in promoting peace in Ukraine. Additionally, Downing Street is set to unveil a new sanctions program targeting Russia’s illicit shadow fleet, which was recently highlighted by a British operation seizing a sanctioned Russian oil tanker, Smyrtos, in the English Channel.
The seized vessel belongs to a larger “ghost fleet” that transports 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil, serving as a crucial financial source for Vladimir Putin’s military operations. These vessels not only pose environmental hazards but also jeopardize critical undersea cables. Furthermore, new sanctions will be announced to restrict the movement of Russian Liquid Natural Gas vessels.
Mr. Starmer’s focus on defense issues at the G7 summit comes after the resignation of Defense Secretary John Healey due to inadequate military funding. The UK government emphasized the importance of learning from Ukraine’s experiences in shaping its defense strategy moving forward.
The PM is expected to engage with world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, at the G7 summit to discuss Ukraine and European security matters. Mr. Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the need to counter Russia’s aggression and provide assistance to the war-torn country. The new energy agreement, finalized during a meeting between the UK PM and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, will see UK-based supplier Urenco receive £210 million to supply enriched uranium to Ukraine’s Energoatom, a key provider of the country’s electricity.