UK and EU to convene in London on upholding Ukraine peace and intensifying pressure on Russia
Фото: З відкритих джерел
In London, European Union Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas will meet with UK Foreign and Defense Ministers David Lammy and John Healey. The discussions will focus on coordinating support for Ukraine and exploring measures to intensify pressure on Russia.
The British government reported this.
As noted by Downing Street, the visit to London of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for negotiations with British officials takes place against the background of intensified joint efforts to contain the Russian economy.
"UK-EU foreign policy consultations will focus on united support for Ukraine, countering Russian hybrid threats and working to step up collective defense spending," the British government reported in a statement.
It also stressed that on March 18, as part of Britain's commitment to strengthening ties with Europe and working together to secure the future of the region, Kallas will arrive in London to discuss with the heads of the Ministry of Defense and the Foreign Ministry "ways to increase pressure on Russia and establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."
The talks will coordinate cooperation in Ukraine and will also discuss efforts to:
- increase economic pressure on Russia,
- ensure that Russia pays for the damage caused to Ukraine by the war.
The parties will review efforts to increase European defense spending, including through "innovative initiatives," and strengthen broader military readiness in support of NATO.
In addition, issues will be raised about stepping up action against hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks, election interference, and "unrestrained Russian disinformation."
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed that ensuring the country's strength and security "cannot be achieved without strengthening our common European security and joining forces with our partners to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."
Downing Street announced that Kallas would meet with the Defense Staff Chief to brief the INTERFLEX commander and EU liaison officers involved in the Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine. This meeting underscores the ongoing international efforts to support Ukraine through strategic military collaboration and assistance.
"The discussions will focus on how to build on the success of Operation INTERFLEX by improving the training offered to Ukraine," the British government said.
British Defence Secretary John Healey said, "European security begins in Ukraine."
"The UK and the EU are united in their determination to support Ukraine with the military firepower it needs to confront Russia's illegal invasion and secure a lasting peace," he said.
For reference:
It should be noted that the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas's proposal for an urgent military aid package includes plans to provide Ukraine with weapons, ammunition, and other types of assistance worth 40 billion euros.
Also, on the eve, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that the G7 countries are preparing further steps to put pressure on the Russian Federation, which they can apply if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
He noted that the proposal for a ceasefire is now on the table. Since "Ukraine is seriously committed to peace," now everything depends on the response of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
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