Over 30 Nations Unite to Cut Off Russian Oil and Gas Supplies

More than **30 nations** supporting **Ukraine** have committed to removing Russian oil and gas from the global market in a concerted effort to pressure President **Vladimir Putin** to end the ongoing conflict. This pledge emerged from a recent summit hosted by **UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer** in London. Starmer emphasized the coalition’s intent, stating, “We’re choking off funding for Russia’s war machine.”

In recent days, both the **UK** and the **U.S.** have sanctioned Russia’s two largest oil companies, while the **European Union** has targeted Moscow’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. **Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**, who participated in the London summit, reiterated that increased pressure on Russia is essential to halt the fighting. Nevertheless, the summit did not yield any announcements regarding long-range missile deliveries to Ukraine.

Zelensky has long advocated for the provision of **U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles** and European counterparts, arguing that they could significantly increase the costs of the war for Moscow by targeting critical military infrastructure, including oil refineries and weapons depots deep within Russian territory. However, during discussions in Washington last week, President Donald Trump conveyed to Zelensky that he was not prepared to supply Tomahawks.

The situation escalated when President Putin warned that any use of such weapons on **Russian Federation** territory would provoke an “overwhelming” response. The conflict began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in **February 2022**, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.

Coalition’s Strategy and Financial Support for Ukraine

At a joint press conference after the London summit, Starmer stated that Putin is “not serious about peace.” This sentiment was echoed by the coalition, which agreed on a “clear plan for the rest of the year” to support Ukraine. Starmer mentioned that part of this plan includes targeting Russia’s sovereign assets to “unlock billions to help finance Ukraine’s defence.” However, he did not provide specific details on how this would be implemented.

On the same day, **EU leaders** agreed to assist Ukraine with its financial needs for the next two years. However, they refrained from committing to the use of frozen Russian assets, which are estimated to be worth **€140 billion** (**£122 billion**). When asked about the possibility of a “reparations loan” for Ukraine funded by these assets, Danish Prime Minister **Mette Frederiksen** expressed hope that a decision would be made by **Christmas Eve**.

The “coalition of the willing” also pledged to enhance Ukraine’s air defenses in response to almost daily Russian air assaults targeting Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure. Zelensky warned that Russia “wants to make the winter cold a tool of torment,” asserting that the intention is to “break us.”

Further discussions at the summit included support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, although no specific announcements were made regarding this issue. Ukraine and its Western allies have publicly aligned with President Trump’s proposal for an immediate freeze of hostilities along the extensive front line to facilitate negotiations. Russia, however, has dismissed this proposal, reiterating demands that Kyiv and its allies consider tantamount to Ukraine’s capitulation.

As the situation develops, the coalition of nations remains committed to applying pressure on Russia, while the humanitarian implications for Ukraine continue to grow.