Starmer set for Zelensky talks amid Russian oil ‘windfall’ fears

WorldPolitics
16 Mar 2026 • 11:20 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Sir Keir Starmer plans to hold talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky to ensure continued focus on the war, despite international attention shifting to the Middle East crisis.
  • Concerns have been raised that rising oil prices, exacerbated by the Middle East conflict, could inadvertently provide a 'windfall' for Russia's Vladimir Putin.
  • The US temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil to alleviate pressure on global supplies following recent strikes and retaliations in the Middle East.
  • There are fears that the Middle East conflict could also limit the availability of air defence missiles for Ukraine due to increased demand in the region.
  • Sir Keir stressed the importance of preventing the Middle East situation from benefiting Russia, following discussions with Canadian counterpart Mark Carney.

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