© EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL / POOL Europeans must keep exerting pressure on Putin and aid in reshaping the perception that Russia can triumph.
During a working meeting focused on the security situation in Northern Europe and Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the continued backing for Ukraine. The Guardian reported this on March 26, covering the conference of leaders from the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) member states in Helsinki, hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
The subjects under discussion include the East, notably Ukraine and Russia, along with the Arctic region, the North Atlantic, and the Baltic Sea area.
Keir Starmer stated that “we must maintain our efforts to bolster our support for Ukraine”, which involves taking additional measures against the “shadow fleet”, a subject he described as “a very crucial item on today’s agenda”. Starmer added that Europeans must “persist in applying pressure to Putin and assist in altering the prevailing narrative”.
“The reality observed on the ground shows Ukraine standing firm. In recent weeks, they have been reclaiming territories and inflicting substantial losses on the occupying forces. Hence, irrespective of what Putin may be telling himself, the reality after four years is that Russia is not succeeding. They will not succeed. They must cease obstructing the path towards a fair and lasting peace,” the British Prime Minister emphasized.
Starmer cautioned that the menace emanating from Russia “has not diminished; indeed, it has grown stronger.”
The politician observed that while global attention has become more focused on the Middle East, “the danger presented by Russia in the north and east has not receded; actually, it has, in my view, intensified.”
He also pointed out that the crisis in the Middle East “highlighted Ukraine’s proficiency in conducting contemporary military actions,” including in defense against Iranian aerial drones. He commended “the remarkable resilience demonstrated by the Ukrainian populace, who have endured Putin’s “appalling attacks throughout the winter months.”
He declared that Europe's backing for Ukraine is “steadfast.”
As a reminder, on the fourth anniversary marking Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK government declared £20 million ($26.98 million) in urgent energy assistance to safeguard and repair Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure and foster supplementary electricity generation capabilities. Furthermore, £5.7 million ($7.69 million) has been earmarked for humanitarian aid targeting communities on the front lines, along with pilot instruction for Ukrainian pilots within the UK, equipping them to function as helicopter flight instructors.
In addition, the government has committed £30 million ($40.47 million) to underpin the strength of Ukrainian society and aid in securing justice and accountability for Russian offenses.