In a decisive show of transatlantic coordination, the “Coalition of the Willing” has agreed on tougher measures against Russia while accelerating military aid to Ukraine.
The summit, held in London and attended by 33 world leaders either in person or online, reflected a growing European resolve to impose economic “asphyxiation” on Moscow’s energy revenues and sustain the war effort in Kyiv.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, hosting the meeting, announced that the coalition’s goal was nothing less than to “eliminate Russian oil and gas from the global market.” His statement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia’s energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil, a move that triggered renewed momentum among allies to tighten the financial noose on the Kremlin.
Zelensky applauds sanctions, calls for more
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attending the summit alongside Starmer, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, praised the U.S. sanctions as a “major step” but urged further action.
“We must target all Russian oil companies,” Zelensky said, stressing that Moscow still finances its war through energy exports. He described the current phase as “better late than never,” expressing confidence that international unity could still turn the tide of the conflict.
Europe moves on frozen Russian assets
The London talks followed an EU summit where leaders debated whether to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction and defense. Although no final decision was made, Zelensky called the EU’s conclusions “a positive message,” adding that “yesterday we took the first step” toward practical implementation.
Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen proposed that Europe establish a compensation fund backed by Russian-held assets. “Russia must pay for the damage it caused,” she said, while Starmer agreed, calling the process “complex but necessary for justice.”
NATO and the U.S. signal endurance
NATO’s Mark Rutte described the gathering as “highly productive,” insisting that the Western strategy was working: “Putin is losing ground and troops.” After meeting Trump at the White House the previous day, Rutte remarked that Russia was “running out of money, soldiers, and ideas.”
While Trump has so far withheld approval for transferring Tomahawk long-range missiles to Kyiv, Rutte confirmed that the issue remains “under review.” The Netherlands and the UK, he noted, are expanding their own contributions.
Macron steps up French military aid
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would deliver additional Aster missiles, new Mirage fighter jets, and expanded training programs for Ukrainian forces “in the coming days.” Britain also committed 5,000 more missiles as part of an accelerated support package.
“Putin’s plan is to weaken us”
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not seek to end the war “without the United States,” warning that Putin’s strategy is to divide the West. “His plan is to make us weaker. Ours is to move forward, united and stronger,” he declared.
He further described Russia’s energy warfare as a “campaign of terror,” designed to turn the winter cold into “a weapon of torture.” He urged partners to take “practical and effective steps,” such as seizing Russian assets and expanding sanctions. “There must be no alternative for Russia but to end the war and allow peace to return to our land,” Zelensky concluded.
