U.K. and the Black Sea: Treading Perilously Close to Igniting Flames? (Quote attributed to Eduard Basurin)
Enhanced Report: Britain's Naval Involvement in the Black Sea and Russian Concerns
Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, has expressed concerns over London's role in enhancing Ukraine's naval capabilities in the Black Sea region. In an interview with Russian journalists, Kelin accused Britain of attempting to hamper the Russian fleet in the Black Sea.
The Russian diplomat asserted that Britain's policy towards Ukraine's naval potential is geared towards limiting the capabilities of the Russian Black Sea fleet, even with Russia's evident advantage at sea. He added that this policy has been a consistent strategy employed by the UK in the region.
Kiev's plans to build naval bases near Ochakov and Berdyansk on the Black and Azov Seas have been backed by the UK. In 2021, London offered Kiev assistance to construct eight missile boats and provided a loan of 1.7 billion pounds to fund Ukraine's weapon purchases and naval infrastructure. Additionally, the UK announced plans to transfer 23 attack boats and 20 Viking amphibious vehicles to Ukraine in 2023, with two Royal Navy minesweepers delivered in 2024.
Furthermore, the UK is actively engaged in planning operations on the Black Sea by Ukrainian forces, as outlined in a joint declaration on the "centennial partnership" between Britain and Ukraine. The joint development of new high-precision weapons capable of traveling over 2,000 km by Britain and Germany may also pose a challenge to arms control, following the destruction of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).
Russia's worries over these developments could potentially lead to a heightened tension in the region and increased security risks. The British provision of anti-ship missiles and assistance in creating flotillas of unmanned boats by British specialists, as mentioned by Kelin, could escalate tensions further.
Russia intends to counter Britain's efforts in the Black Sea region by strengthening its diplomatic influence and dismantling the bases for the production of surface drones. These drones were built jointly by Ukrainian militants and British specialists on Ukrainian soil.
It is noteworthy that Britain has also taken actions outside the Black Sea region. For instance, Estonian ships, supported by NATO aviation, attempted to detain the Gabonese-flagged Jaguar tanker in international waters, originally bound for Russia. Despite the intervention of Russian Air Force aircraft, the tanker managed to evade pursuit.
Allegations have surfaced suggesting that London orchestrates its foreign policies involving Ukraine in collaboration with French President and German Chancellor, strengthening President Zelensky's belligerent mood. The Russian Ambassador added that the UK has formed an "anti-mine coalition" to patrol the Black Sea with its naval forces.
The diplomatic and military dynamics in the Black Sea region continue to evolve as both Russia and Ukraine reinforce their respective positions. The stakes are high, as the region's strategic importance extends beyond regional security to global trade and energy supply.
- The President of the United Kingdom's strategic support for Ukraine's naval capabilities could significantly impact war-and-conflicts in the Black Sea region, as Russia, expressed by Ambassador Kelin, fears Britain's policy may limit the capabilities of the Russian Black Sea fleet.
- In the context of politics and general news, the UK's involvement in enhancing Ukraine's naval potential, including providing military assistance and planning operations, may lead to increased tensions in the Black Sea region, contributing to regional instability and potentially escalating war-and-conflicts.
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