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UK Pledges Enriched Uranium and Funds to Sustain Ukraine's Nuclear Power

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • The UK will provide Ukraine with 242 million euros and enriched uranium to keep its nuclear power plants operational for the next two years.
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deal, emphasizing continued support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
  • The agreement, made during President Zelenskyy's visit to Downing Street, aims to bolster Ukraine's energy security, particularly during winter months.

The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with 242 million euros and a supply of enriched uranium to ensure the country's nuclear power plants can operate for the next two years. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the significant aid package, stating it underscores the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine for "as long as it takes."

We stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes: this announcement must further underline that. Putin must withdraw his tanks, cease his barbaric air raids and come to the negotiating table.

— Keir StarmerBritish Prime Minister's statement on continued support for Ukraine.

Starmer's announcement, made during a visit to Évian-les-Bains for the G7 summit, emphasized that the deal aims to help the Ukrainian people "get through the next winters." He reiterated calls for Russian President Putin to withdraw his forces, cease attacks, and engage in negotiations. The UK is also implementing new sanctions against Russia, targeting entities that facilitate its access to Western technology, and is considering increasing its own defense budget.

This announcement must further underline that.

— Keir StarmerReferring to the UK's commitment to Ukraine through the enriched uranium deal.

The agreement for enriched uranium was reportedly finalized during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Downing Street in March. As part of the deal, the UK will increase its investment in Urenco, a company involved in uranium enrichment in which the British government holds a 33% stake. Germany and the Netherlands also hold shares in Urenco, which will supply the enriched uranium to Energoatom, Ukraine's state nuclear energy producer.

The UK will make 242 million euros available and supply enriched uranium to keep the Ukrainian nuclear power plants running for the next 2 years.

— Keir StarmerAnnouncing the specifics of the aid package for Ukraine's energy sector.

This supply is crucial for Ukraine, as Energoatom generates approximately 50 to 60 percent of the country's electricity. Nuclear energy provides vital energy security, especially during winter when Russian attacks on energy infrastructure are a persistent threat. Both Russia and Ukraine are acutely aware of the catastrophic potential of a nuclear power plant attack, recalling the Chernobyl disaster, making such an escalation unlikely.

This must help the Ukrainian people to get through the next winters.

— Keir StarmerHighlighting the purpose of the energy support deal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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