London, 24 October 2025 — More than 20 countries backing Ukraine have agreed to take action. They will remove Russian oil and gas from international markets. This is an effort to choke off the financial lifeline funding President Vladimir Putin’s war effort.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted the meeting of the so-called “coalition of the willing” in London. He said the move was designed to “cut off the money fueling Russia’s war machine.”
The announcement comes after the UK and US imposed fresh sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil producers. At the same time, the European Union expanded restrictions to include Moscow’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
Zelensky: ‘Pressure Is the Only Way to Stop the War’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined the summit in person. He reiterated that maintaining pressure on Russia is essential to ending the conflict. However, the London meeting did not result in new commitments to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles.
Zelensky has consistently argued that U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles and European long-range systems could have a significant impact. They could strike Russian oil refineries and military depots deep inside its territory.
But during talks in Washington last week, U.S. President Donald Trump told Zelensky he was not ready to approve Tomahawk deliveries.
In response, President Vladimir Putin warned of consequences. He stated that if such weapons were ever used on Russian soil, Moscow’s reaction would be “overwhelming.”
Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Sanctions and Financial Measures Dominate Talks
At the joint press conference following the summit, Starmer said Putin had shown “no seriousness about peace.” He revealed that allies had agreed on a clear strategy for supporting Ukraine through the end of 2025.
That plan includes targeting Russia’s sovereign assets. This will unlock billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s defence. However, Starmer gave no further details.
Meanwhile, EU leaders have agreed to meet Ukraine’s financial needs over the next two years. They stopped short of deciding whether to use the €140 billion in frozen Russian assets.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she hoped a decision is made on a so-called “reparations loan” for Ukraine. The loan would be funded by Russian assets. She hoped this happen by Christmas Eve.
Focus on Winter and Civilian Protection
The coalition also vowed to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, as Russia continues near-daily airstrikes targeting civilians and energy infrastructure.
“Russia wants to use the cold as a weapon,” Zelensky warned. “They want to make winter another form of torment — to break us.”
Observers noted the rhetoric was strong. However, the summit produced few concrete details. It was unclear how allies intend to force Moscow to change course. There were also few specifics about bringing Moscow to the negotiating table.
Life Under Attack: Voices from Ukraine
In Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials said a Russian airstrike this week hit a kindergarten, killing and injuring civilians.
Residents across Ukraine described worsening conditions as winter approaches.
- Yana Kolomiets from Odesa said the city faces “electricity, heating, and water shortages.” She added that guided bombs are now being launched at southern regions.
- In Kyiv, Tetiana Dankevych said constant power outages and water cuts have made life “very difficult.” “I don’t feel like this war will end soon,” she added.
Broader Support but No Breakthroughs
The summit in London also touched on efforts to support Ukraine’s energy grid, but no specific funding announcements were made.
The leaders attending included Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. French President Emmanuel Macron joined via video link.
Ukraine and its Western allies continue to endorse President Trump’s proposal to freeze fighting along the current front line. They see it as a first step toward negotiations. Russia has rejected the plan, calling it a form of Ukrainian surrender.
Earlier Friday, President Zelensky met King Charles III at Windsor — their third meeting this year.
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