Starmer to announce new aid for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia - Media
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a new aid package for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, despite increased pressure from Washington on Kyiv to back down and accept a peace deal with Moscow, according to The Telegraph.
According to the British newspaper, Starmer will announce a triple strike of measures on Monday, February 24, marking the third anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, including military aid and sanctions.
"It is in stark contrast to the approach taken by Mr Trump, who has in recent days called Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, a “dictator” and is pressing for a speedy end to the conflict," the Telegraph states.
The British outlet also notes that Starmer is challenging Trump with new aid for Ukraine.
Furthermore, the article highlights that the American president accused London on Friday of doing nothing to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
What Starmer will discuss at the White House with Trump
As expected by The Telegraph, during the scheduled visit of the British Prime Minister to the US and his negotiations with Trump on Thursday, Starmer may announce the date by which 2.5% of the UK’s GDP will be allocated for defense spending. It is likely to be 2030.
The head of the UK government will also extend an invitation to the US president from the King to make a state visit to the UK.
At the same time, The Telegraph writes that Starmer's new package of support for Ukraine risks disappointing the White House.
What is known about the 'triple strike'
British media note that on Monday, the current gap between the UK and US positions on the Russia-Ukraine war will be emphasized. In Whitehall, a package of measures is being developed with the involvement of three different government departments to demonstrate London's support for Kyiv.
- It is expected that the UK Ministry of Defence will soon release new details of its military assistance to Ukraine. One of the ideas under discussion is the provision of additional weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, though the contents of the package have not yet been fully approved.
- The UK Foreign Office will unveil a major set of sanctions against Russia, which could target up to 1,900 Russian individuals and entities connected to the aggression against Ukraine.
- A source from The Telegraph in the government revealed that the UK Home Office will intensify efforts to combat Russian dirty money, with oligarchs supporting Putin being potential targets of sanctions.
In Whitehall, the new package of measures is being referred to as a full triple strike, aimed at emphasizing London's support for Kyiv.
On Monday, February 24, the UK Minister of Defence, John Healey, will give an interview to clarify additional support for Ukraine. It is expected that Foreign Secretary David Lammy will address the House of Commons.
Earlier, Politico reported that the European Union is preparing a large military aid package for Ukraine, worth at least 6 billion euros, though it could increase to 10 billion euros.
On February 21, the EU Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, stated that Ukraine will receive a new military aid package from the European Union, which will send a powerful signal to the Ukrainian people about Europe's support.
Additionally, according to Bloomberg, the European Union is preparing a military aid package for Ukraine worth 20 billion euros.
