Ukrainian President Zelenskiy meets British finance minister Jeremy Hunt in Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the need for tighter sanctions against Russia during his meeting with British finance minister Jeremy Hunt in Kyiv on Thursday. Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to Britain, a close ally, for its support, particularly for unveiling a new 500 million pound ($625 million) uplift in a defense support package for Ukraine this week.

In a statement released on the Telegram app, Zelenskiy highlighted the importance of expanding restrictive measures against Russia to prevent Moscow from bypassing existing sanctions. He stressed the necessity of closing any loopholes that could undermine the effectiveness of sanctions imposed on Russia.

Zelenskiy's call for strengthened sanctions comes amid ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, particularly in the context of Russia's military aggression and ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian president has consistently advocated for international support, including economic and military assistance, to counter Russian aggression and defend Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

During the meeting, Zelenskiy and Hunt discussed various aspects of the bilateral relationship between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on sanctions policy. Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of coordinated action among international partners to maintain pressure on Russia and deter further aggression.

Following their discussions, Zelenskiy announced that Hunt would hold meetings with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and other ministers later in the day. These meetings are expected to further deepen cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including security and defense.

The meeting between Zelenskiy and Hunt underscores the strong partnership between Ukraine and Britain and their shared commitment to upholding international norms and principles. By calling for tighter sanctions against Russia, Zelenskiy reaffirmed Ukraine's determination to confront Russian aggression and defend its sovereignty.

As the situation in Ukraine remains volatile, diplomatic efforts and international support are crucial for promoting stability and security in the region. Zelenskiy's meeting with Hunt reflects Ukraine's proactive approach to seeking support from its allies in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by Russian aggression.