Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have called for an immediate energy ceasefire by Russia and agreed to meet in person in the coming days.
Downing Street announced the developments following a telephone conversation on Saturday, 10 October.
Call to halt attacks
The leaders urged Russia to stop strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and attacks on shipping in the Black Sea. Downing Street said this would help release energy and food supplies onto global markets.
The readout announces a joint demand, rather than a ceasefire accepted by Russia. It gives no date or location for the planned meeting.
Sanctions pressure to increase
Burnham pledged to strengthen sanctions and take further action to constrain Russia's war effort, building on British designations announced during the week. The call itself did not announce a new list of sanctioned targets.
Ukraine stresses air defence needs
In a separate account, the Ukrainian presidency said Zelenskyy briefed Burnham on continuing Russian attacks using aerial bombs, drones and ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities.
Zelenskyy identified air defence as his first priority and emphasised the need for practical decisions to protect lives and strengthen European security. He thanked the Prime Minister for his support and condolences to people who had lost relatives in Russian attacks.
The Ukrainian account also confirmed discussions about increasing sanctions pressure and preparing further joint steps and a meeting.
Britain reiterates support
A separate British government statement published on 10 October reaffirmed military and financial support for Ukraine and continued economic pressure on Moscow.
That statement also confirmed support for US-led efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. Britain's continued sanctions policy should therefore not be presented as an announcement that London has abandoned cooperation with Washington.