Prime Minister’s Arrival at European Political Community Summit
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has arrived in Dublin this afternoon for the European Political Community (EPC) summit, following his participation in the recent COP 31 summit held in Türkiye. The highlight of the summit will be a significant new sanctions package aimed at Russia, coinciding with ongoing discussions among world leaders regarding the situation in Ukraine, which follows peace talks conducted in Abu Dhabi earlier this week.
Strengthening Sanctions Against Russia
As the summit unfolds, the Prime Minister is urging international partners to intensify efforts to pressure President Putin to bring an end to the conflict in Europe. In a decisive move, the UK has become the first nation to impose sanctions on all ten of Russia’s major oil producers, signalling a robust stance against the Kremlin. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s goal of drawing global attention to Ukraine and advancing the UK’s aspirations for a renewed relationship with the European Union.
During discussions in Dublin, the Prime Minister will encourage leaders from approximately 50 countries to continue applying pressure on Russia, emphasising the necessity for Putin to engage earnestly in peace negotiations. In light of Russia’s ongoing aggression, the UK has unveiled a comprehensive package of new sanctions targeting not only shadow fleet vessels linked to the transport of Russian oil and LNG but also significant coal companies and Rosneft’s flagship Arctic oil and gas project, LLC Vostok Oil. This marks a historic moment as the UK becomes the first country to sanction all of Russia’s top ten oil producers.
Targeting the Energy Revenue Chain
The newly announced sanctions aim to impact nearly every aspect of the energy revenue chain within the oil and gas sectors, encompassing producers, trading networks, supply chains, and vessels. This strategic approach is designed to further limit Russia’s capacity to generate revenue and fund its unlawful military actions.
As part of the summit agenda, the Prime Minister is anticipated to co-chair a focused meeting on Ukraine this afternoon alongside President Zelenskyy. This session will revolve around strategies to build upon the recent peace talks in Abu Dhabi, with the objective of achieving a fair and lasting peace.
Key Emphasis on Security Guarantees
During these discussions, the Prime Minister will underscore the vital need for robust and legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine as a core component of any peace process. He will advocate for ongoing negotiations with European delegations and express strong support for President Zelenskyy’s demand for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.
The Prime Minister is expected to convey to fellow leaders that, despite progress in negotiations, the global community must not become complacent. He will assert that Europe should actively participate in negotiations while maintaining pressure on Russia to ensure that discussions lead to meaningful outcomes that enhance European security.
Commitment to Ukraine and the Defence Industry
In his remarks, Prime Minister Burnham stated: “While peace talks on Ukraine have made strides, we must not let our guard down. It is imperative that we continue to increase pressure on Russia to agree to a full and immediate ceasefire. The UK has introduced a series of stringent new sanctions aimed at constraining Russia’s oil revenues and advancing the cessation of the Kremlin’s unjustified war.”
The Prime Minister will highlight the importance of seizing the momentum in negotiations, advocating for a path forward that ensures security for both the UK and the broader European continent. As part of the enduring 100-Year UK-Ukraine partnership, the UK has taken a leading role in sanctioning Russian revenue streams while also providing essential military aid to support Ukraine’s self-defence.
Additionally, Ukrainian drone manufacturer UForce has announced the creation of hundreds of highly skilled jobs and 60 apprenticeships in the UK as it establishes new production facilities. This initiative, revealed aboard HMS Prince of Wales this morning, signifies that over 70% of the components used in each UK-built drone boat will be sourced from British suppliers, thereby reinforcing the strong collaboration between the UK and Ukraine in the defence sector.
Future Discussions on Defence and Security
While participating in the EPC, the Prime Minister is also set to co-chair a roundtable focused on defence and security alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. This gathering will provide leaders with the opportunity to deliberate on Europe’s collective response to an increasingly complex threat landscape, particularly in the hybrid warfare domain, and to foster a coordinated approach to these challenges.