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The UK is set to progress with using the entire amount of immobilized Russia's holdings to bolster Ukraine's defense operations, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced.

In a collective announcement, the leaders of the United Kingdom, the French Republic, and the Federal Republic of Germany asserted that this unified step would increase strain on Russian President Vladimir Putin and compel Russia to come to the table.

They clarified that the move would be carried out in tight collaboration with the United States.

British penalties have frozen in excess of £25bn of Russia's assets since Moscow launched its comprehensive attack against Ukraine in 2022. Yet, previously, money provided to Ukraine using Russian holdings had solely been drawn from earnings and returns accrued on them.

Sir Keir told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United Kingdom, the French Republic, and Germany were united in their goal to drive progress toward using the full value of the immobilized Moscow's national funds to halt hostilities.

He added that additional restrictions over the next period would increase the strain on the Russian government.

This declaration follows European representatives met in the Danish capital previously to consider utilizing immobilized Russia's assets for a 140-billion-euro financial aid to Ukraine.

In the previous month, American leader Donald Trump called on G7 allies to take or employ immobilized Russia's assets, as reported by media sources.

The value of frozen Russian funds in the EU is calculated to be nearly €211bn.

President Zelensky encourages UK's Sir Keir Starmer to join the weapons procurement program

Russia carried out widespread missile and drone strikes across Ukraine on Friday, causing electricity outages in large parts of the capital city, Kyiv, and eight other regions.

Two people were fatally injured and at least 20 people were injured in the attack, authorities in Ukraine reported.

In a post on an online platform subsequent to the incident, Zelensky stated that the premeditated assault focused on non-military and power facilities.

"What is required is not mere statements but decisive action - from the United States, the European Union, and the Group of Seven - in providing anti-aircraft weapons and applying penalties," he stated.

"All penalty impositions weakens the Russian war effort," Zelensky declared, in a additional update.

Additionally that day, Zelensky stated to the press he would urge Sir Keir to participate in the weapons procurement programme, under which alliance members purchase weapons from the America to give to Ukraine.

While applauding the UK's strong support for Ukraine, he remarked it should send a clear signal that it would participate in the program, as well as impose additional sanctions on Russia.

Major Russian Strikes Cause Outages in the Capital and Across Ukraine

• Ukraine War
• France
• Germany
• Russia
• Ukraine