Trump: Davey urges PM to hold a “Save Ukraine” summit in London
EMBARGO: Immediate Release
Ed Davey has called on Keir Starmer to hold a “Save Ukraine” summit of European leaders in London, as he warned that the second Donald Trump presidency risks having a “devastating” effect on European security.
Ed Davey said the summit should be used to agree on seizing frozen Russian assets and using them to support Ukraine, to turn the tide of the war before the Trump presidency begins on January 20th. Combined together, Russian assets frozen by UK and European countries could provide Ukraine with a rescue package of over £40 billion worth of support.
It comes as Keir Starmer is set to attend the European Political Community summit of European leaders tomorrow in Hungary.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:
“Donald Trump’s re-election risks having a devastating impact on European security.
"Putin will be rubbing his hands with glee while the people of Ukraine are fearing for their future.
“At this time of global insecurity the UK must stand with our European allies and redouble our efforts to support the Ukrainian people in their brave fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.
“The Prime Minister must show global leadership and work with our European partners to gather support for Ukraine, including through seizing Russian assets.
“There is no time to waste. We must help Ukraine turn the tide of this war before the end of the year. If the US won’t, Europe must.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
The UK has frozen £22.7 billion of Russian assets, according to the OFSI’s December 2023 report. The EU has frozen around €24.9 billion euros (around £20bn) of Russian assets. Combined together, it means the assets frozen by UK and European countries could provide Ukraine with a rescue package of over £40 billion worth of support.
The UK has this year provided £2 billion to Ukraine from the profits of frozen assets - however, Liberal Democrats are urging the UK to go further and use the assets themselves, not just the interest.
