More than 20 nations supporting Ukraine have pledged to 'take Russian oil and gas off the global market' as part of efforts to pressure President Vladimir Putin to end the war. 'We're choking off funding for Russia's war machine,' said UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, after hosting a summit of the so-called 'coalition of the willing' in London. The UK and US have in recent days sanctioned Russia's two biggest oil companies, while the EU targeted Moscow's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was also in London, stated that 'pressure' on Russia was the only way to stop the fighting. However, no long-range missile deliveries were announced at the summit. Zelensky has long argued that U.S.-made Tomahawks and European missiles would help make the war costs heavier for Moscow by striking key military targets deep inside Russia.
During last week's talks in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated to Zelensky that he was not ready to supply Tomahawks. Additionally, Putin warned that the response to any such weapons used against Russian territory would be 'overwhelming.'
Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, Russia has occupied around a fifth of Ukraine, including the Crimea region annexed in 2014. In a joint press conference after the summit, Starmer emphasized that Putin was 'not serious about peace,' and the allies agreed on a 'clear plan for the rest of the year' to assist Ukraine.
Moreover, the 'coalition of the willing' also pledged to bolster Ukraine's air defenses amid ongoing Russian assaults. Zelensky highlighted the urgency of the situation, mentioning that winter could become a 'tool of torment.'
Despite the strong words from world leaders, some Ukrainians are focused on immediate challenges such as electricity and water shortages caused by Russian strikes. As the situation continues to evolve, both political leaders and civilians are looking for effective measures to address the ongoing crisis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was also in London, stated that 'pressure' on Russia was the only way to stop the fighting. However, no long-range missile deliveries were announced at the summit. Zelensky has long argued that U.S.-made Tomahawks and European missiles would help make the war costs heavier for Moscow by striking key military targets deep inside Russia.
During last week's talks in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated to Zelensky that he was not ready to supply Tomahawks. Additionally, Putin warned that the response to any such weapons used against Russian territory would be 'overwhelming.'
Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, Russia has occupied around a fifth of Ukraine, including the Crimea region annexed in 2014. In a joint press conference after the summit, Starmer emphasized that Putin was 'not serious about peace,' and the allies agreed on a 'clear plan for the rest of the year' to assist Ukraine.
Moreover, the 'coalition of the willing' also pledged to bolster Ukraine's air defenses amid ongoing Russian assaults. Zelensky highlighted the urgency of the situation, mentioning that winter could become a 'tool of torment.'
Despite the strong words from world leaders, some Ukrainians are focused on immediate challenges such as electricity and water shortages caused by Russian strikes. As the situation continues to evolve, both political leaders and civilians are looking for effective measures to address the ongoing crisis.
