Keir Starmer is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday, coinciding with an urgent warning from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding the geopolitical implications of recent military actions in Iran. As the situation escalates, Sunak emphasized the need to prevent the conflict from inadvertently benefiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Urgent Diplomatic Engagement
Zelenskyy's visit to the UK comes at a critical moment, particularly as the deadline approaches for Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to allocate proceeds from the £2.5 billion sale of Chelsea FC to victims of the ongoing Ukraine war. Abramovich has faced mounting pressure from the British government, which has warned him that failure to comply with the demands could lead to legal action. Despite the looming deadline, sources indicate that he is unlikely to release the funds. Originally reported by The Guardian.
"We cannot allow the war in the Gulf to turn into a windfall for Putin," Sunak stated, highlighting the potential ramifications of rising oil prices linked to the conflict. Data shows that since the onset of the US-Israel strikes on Iran, Russia has amassed approximately €6 billion (£5 billion) from fossil fuel sales, bolstering its military capabilities in Ukraine.
Abramovich's Legal Troubles
The former Chelsea owner insists that the funds from the sale are under the control of Fordstam Ltd., the investment vehicle he used for the transaction. On Monday, Abramovich's legal team reiterated that the cash remains "wholly owned" by the company, casting doubt on whether he will meet the government's requirements by the deadline. A government source noted that there is little expectation Abramovich will comply, raising questions about the future allocation of these funds.
Starmer is likely to face inquiries about this contentious issue when he meets with Zelenskyy. Both leaders are expected to discuss ongoing military support from the UK to Ukraine, which remains vital as the country continues to battle Russian aggression.
Continued Military Support for Ukraine
On Monday, Defence Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supplying military aid to Ukraine. He confirmed that over the past month, the UK has delivered 3,500 drones, 18,000 artillery rounds, and 3 million rounds of small ammunition to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russian forces.
"We face two conflicts on two continents, supported by an axis of aggression with similar tactics and similar technologies," Healey stated during a parliamentary session. He emphasized the unwavering solidarity of the UK with Ukraine, declaring, "We will not forget the war in Europe, and our total determination to stand with Ukraine remains steadfast." Zelenskyy's arrival in the UK is poised to further cement this partnership.
The Geopolitical Stakes
The ongoing conflict between the US and Israel against Iran has raised alarms about its potential impact on global energy markets. Reports indicate that the US has temporarily lifted sanctions to allow certain countries to purchase Russian oil, a decision that has fueled concerns about enriching the Kremlin amid its military endeavors in Ukraine.
In a recent briefing, Zelenskyy responded to comments made by former US President Donald Trump, who suggested that the US could manage without Ukraine's assistance on drone defense. Zelenskyy countered that Ukraine had received multiple requests from the US to provide support for various initiatives and had complied with those requests.
Healey has previously characterized the Iranian tactics in the Gulf as possibly influenced by Putin's "hidden hand," warning that the Russian leader stands to gain from increased oil revenues, which fund military operations. "It helps him with a fresh supply of funds for his brutal war in Ukraine," Healey remarked, underscoring the interconnectedness of the conflicts.
As Zelenskyy meets with Starmer, the world watches closely. The stakes are high, not just for Ukraine, but for global stability as the interplay between these conflicts continues to evolve. The outcome of discussions regarding Abramovich's funds could have significant implications for how the UK and its allies respond to both the war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.