UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in a conversation with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed solidarity with Ukraine after a tough past 24 hours.
This was reported by the British Prime Minister’s Office.
He also reaffirmed London’s intention to increase sanctions pressure on Russia and take additional steps to limit its military capabilities.
Burnham and Zelenskyy stressed the need for an immediate energy ceasefire, which would involve an end to Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and attacks on shipping in the Black Sea. This would make it possible to increase supplies of energy resources and food to global markets.
The leaders agreed to meet in person in the coming days to continue discussions.
Earlier, Ukraine’s leader also spoke about the conversation with Burnham. He reported on Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities carried out over the course of the day using aerial bombs, Shahed attack drones and ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy also stressed that strengthening air defences remains the top priority.
What happened before?
- Donald Trump reached an agreement with Putin on supplying Russian fuel to the US and global markets. According to the White House chief, Russia will "immediately" deliver more than 300,000 tonnes of fuel, followed later by another 1.5 million tonnes.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian negotiating team is being used as a "smokescreen". According to him, while Ukrainian representatives in Florida were discussing a ceasefire in Ukraine with the Americans, Trump was reaching an agreement with Putin.
- On 10 October, the White House chief suggested that Ukraine choose a new leader who "will be able to agree to end the war". He claimed that Volodymyr Zelenskyy had allegedly had repeated opportunities to strike a deal but did not take them.
- Trump also criticised Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, saying they supposedly create problems for the world and for American farmers. According to him, Washington had warned Zelenskyy against attacks on Russian facilities linked to diesel fuel production.