UK to supply Ukraine with enriched uranium, impose new Russia sanctions at G7

At the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant diplomatic and economic push, including the supply of enriched uranium to Ukraine and further sanctions against Russia. This initiative aims to bolster Ukraine's energy security as winter approaches and Russian strikes continue to target its infrastructure.

The UK's commitment involves £210 million ($243 million euros) in export financing, enabling the British company Urenco to provide enriched uranium to Ukraine's state nuclear power operator, Energoatom. This strategic decision seeks to lessen Ukraine's historical dependence on Russian nuclear fuel, a dependency that has persisted for its Soviet-era reactors. Energoatom has been diversifying its suppliers since 2022, previously turning to the American company Westinghouse and now Urenco, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Starmer stated his intention to "up the ante" by "choking off the resources that fuel Putin's war and providing energy for Ukraine for the winters to come." He condemned Russia's "barbaric strikes" and positioned London as a staunch ally of Kyiv within the G7 framework. The UK's move is a direct response to the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for Ukraine to secure its energy supply against Russian aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to attend the summit to participate in discussions on peace and security in Europe. His arrival follows recent deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv, which killed at least 11 people and damaged a historic cathedral. Zelensky has reiterated his plea for increased pressure on Russia and enhanced air defense support for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, hosting the summit, aims to secure a firmer stance from Donald Trump towards Moscow. Macron expressed a desire for American assurance of continued support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia, subtly indicating lingering doubts about the full extent of US commitment. The summit's agenda is dominated by the war in Ukraine, with global leaders seeking coordinated strategies to address the ongoing conflict.