The United Kingdom will supply enriched uranium to Ukraine for its nuclear power plants and will announce a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting both the „phantom fleet” used for oil exports and the financial networks through which Moscow tries to bypass Western restrictions.
The announcement is expected to be made by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G7 summit, where Western leaders are discussing on Tuesday the war in Ukraine and ways to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
British Uranium for Ukraine's Nuclear Power Plants
According to Downing Street, the United Kingdom will provide financing for exports of approximately £210 million (around €243 million), which will enable the British company Urenco to supply enriched uranium to the Ukrainian nuclear operator Energoatom.
The British government states that the agreement will contribute to Ukraine's energy security and help the country maintain its energy production over the next two years, as Russia continues to target the energy infrastructure.
"We will stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary, and this announcement reinforces that commitment," said Keir Starmer.
The British Prime Minister condemned what he called the "barbaric attacks" by Russia and stated that London will continue to support Kyiv both militarily and economically.
New Sanctions against Russia's War Economy
In parallel with the energy agreement, the British government will announce new sanctions aimed at reducing the Kremlin's financial resources.
The measures will specifically target the "phantom fleet" of tankers used by Russia to transport and sell oil despite Western restrictions, as well as the financial networks that facilitate the circumvention of sanctions.
According to the British Prime Minister's office, the goal is to "suffocate Russia's war effort on multiple fronts."
The phantom fleet has become one of the main tools through which Moscow continues to generate revenue from oil exports, despite the sanctions imposed after the large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Pressure on Trump at the G7 Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the G7 summit on Tuesday for a meeting dedicated to security and peace in Ukraine.
Prior to the discussions, Starmer is set to convey to Western leaders that the G7 countries must "do more together to ensure that Ukraine achieves the fair and sustainable peace it deserves."
French President Emmanuel Macron, on his part, stated that he hopes to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to take a tougher stance against Russia.
"What I really want is for the Americans to say: 'We stand by you, we will continue to help Ukraine, we will put more pressure on Russia'," Macron said in an interview with TF1.