Zelensky and Starmer discussed military cooperation and a £2 billion loan.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during which they discussed the expansion of defense cooperation and weapon production.

Zelensky expressed gratitude for the new package of support for the Ukrainian Navy announced on December 19, as well as for the decision to allocate a loan of £2 billion for Ukrainian weapon production. The repayment of the loan is planned to be carried out using frozen Russian assets.

The United Kingdom will continue training Ukrainian soldiers as part of the Interflex operation. Ukraine also expects assistance in the training and equipping of brigades based on the examples of the USA and France.

The leaders discussed the necessity of strengthening sanctions against the Russian tanker fleet. According to the Ukrainian president, limiting the use of Russian tankers will not only reduce the funding for the war but also contribute to the protection of the environment in the North and Baltic Seas.

During the conversation, issues regarding the JEF summit in Estonia and meetings in Brussels were raised. Zelensky expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the JEF and obtaining full membership in the organization.

The parties also discussed preparing a bilateral agreement to deepen partnership. The Ukrainian president renewed the invitation for Starmer to visit Ukraine.