UK to Negotiate Participation in EU's €90 Billion Loan Program for Ukraine

Sir Keir Starmer will announce the UK's ambitions at the European Political Community summit in Armenia on Monday, signaling a push for closer ties with the EU. The prime minister stated the UK is 'ready to do the necessary work' with allies to give Ukraine the support and pressure needed for a just and lasting peace.

Starmer met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a hotel in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, on Sunday. During the meeting, Zelensky briefed Starmer on the current situation at the front lines and examined Ukraine's progress in the ongoing conflict. Zelensky expressed appreciation to King Charles for the monarch's vocal support of Ukraine during his recent visit to the United States.

Zelensky also asked Starmer to pass on his 'best regards and thanks' to King Charles III for his 'strong words' in support of Ukraine during the state visit to the US. King Charles addressed Congress last week, highlighting the significance of NATO and continued assistance for Kyiv in his congressional address.

Zelensky and Starmer agreed that strengthening defence industrial partnerships with European nations is essential to sustaining Ukraine's resistance, according to Downing Street.

They addressed preparations for the coming months and stressed the importance of safeguarding Ukraine's energy network before winter arrives. A government spokeswoman said safeguarding Ukraine's energy network would enhance the country's ability to withstand Russia's ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Zelensky expressed gratitude for Britain's sanctions regime against Moscow and its crackdown on Russia's shadow fleet, describing these measures as a 'great example' for allied nations.

In March, Starmer announced that British commandos would have the authority to intercept and stop shadow fleet vessels transporting oil through UK waters. European leaders gathered in Yerevan ahead of the European Political Community summit on Monday, to which 48 heads of state and government have been invited.

Starmer is accompanied by EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds and national security adviser Jonathan Powell at the summit.

He will co-chair a major session on Ukraine alongside France. The European Political Community was established in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. EU leaders approved a deal last month to lend Ukraine €90 billion over the next two years after Hungary lifted its veto.

Two-thirds of the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine will be spent on bolstering Ukraine's defence needs while the rest will go on broader financial assistance. Further sanctions by the UK on Russian companies are expected to be announced this week, according to Downing Street.