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The UK is set to progress with employing the total value of immobilized Russian holdings to bolster the Ukrainian military campaign, Leader Sir Keir Starmer has announced.

In a shared declaration, the officials of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany emphasized that this coordinated action would escalate tension on Moscow's head Vladimir Putin and persuade Russia to engage in negotiations.

They further noted that the move would be implemented in close cooperation with the US.

British restrictions have blocked in excess of £25bn of Russia's assets since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion against the Ukrainian nation in 2022. Yet, up to this point, money provided to Ukraine using Russian holdings had only been taken from gains and dividends earned on them.

Sir Keir assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United Kingdom, France, and Germany were aligned in their goal to push forward toward utilizing the total worth of the seized Moscow's national holdings to conclude the conflict.

He stated that additional sanctions in the coming days and weeks would increase the strain on the Russian government.

This declaration follows European leaders met in Copenhagen previously to consider using seized Russia's holdings for a €140bn financial aid to Ukraine.

Recently, US President Donald Trump called on Group of Seven partners to seize or utilize frozen Russia's holdings, based on reports.

The total of seized Russia's assets in the European Union is estimated to be approximately €211bn.

President Zelensky encourages the United Kingdom's Sir Keir Starmer to participate in the weapons procurement initiative

Russia carried out extensive missile and drone strikes throughout the Ukrainian territory on Friday, resulting in blackouts in large parts of the capital city, the city, and multiple additional areas.

A pair of individuals were fatally injured and a minimum of 20 people were hurt in the assault, authorities in Ukraine said.

In a message on social media after the attack, Zelensky wrote that the cynical and calculated attack aimed at civilian and energy infrastructure.

"The necessity is not mere statements but firm measures - from the United States, EU, and the G7 - in delivering anti-aircraft weapons and enforcing restrictions," he emphasized.

"Every sanction decision weakens Russia's war machine," Zelensky wrote, in a different message.

Also on Friday, Zelensky stated to reporters he would encourage Sir Keir to join the Purl scheme, under which Nato countries purchase weapons from the America to donate to the Ukrainian forces.

While commending the UK's strong support for Kyiv, he noted it should demonstrate clearly that it would participate in the program, as well as impose further measures on Moscow.

Large-Scale Assaults Cut Power in Kyiv and Across Ukraine

• Ukraine War
• French Republic
• Germany
• Russia
• Ukrainian Nation