Supporting Ukraine against Russia, UK sends warships to the Black Sea
London will stand by Ukraine against Russia after a British naval ship was sent to Ukraine and is expected to conduct exercises in the Black Sea, a senior British defence official said.
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| British ship HMS Echo docked in Ukraine. Photo: CEN |
British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson said on December 21 that London would stand by Ukraine in the tension between Kiev and Moscow that has been going on for nearly a month. Specifically, the UK has sent the Royal Navy warship HMS Echo to the Black Sea as a move to show London's support for Ukraine.
Speaking upon arriving in Odessa in southern Ukraine on September 21, Mr. Wiliamson said: “The reason HMS Echo is here is to show the British spirit of solidarity with Ukraine and that Kiev is not alone.” He emphasized that the British ship is on a patrol mission to ensure freedom of navigation, and that the Black Sea does not belong to Russia alone but is international waters.
According toDailymail, HMS Echo carrying modern reconnaissance weapons has been docked in Odessa since December 19. This ship is expected to participate in exercises in the Black Sea to show off military power.
In addition, the UK pledged that in the first two months of 2019, they will send military personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army to Ukraine to carry out training and education missions.
HMS Echo's visit comes amid renewed tensions between Ukraine and Russia, four years after Crimea seceded from Kiev and joined Moscow in a referendum.
On November 25, Russia used force to seize three Ukrainian ships accused of violating its territorial waters and repeatedly engaging in provocative behavior in the Kerch Strait. Kiev denied the information and announced a 30-day martial law in areas bordering Russia.
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| Russian frigate is believed to be en route to the Sea of Azov. Photo: Reuters |
ReutersOn December 21, citing a source, Russia appeared to be sending a warship to the Sea of Azov, north of the Black Sea. This is a frigate carrying cruise missiles moving from the direction of the town of Feodosia, Crimea with a helicopter on board. The Russian ship's arrival in the Sea of Azov took place after Ukraine confirmed that it would continue to send warships here to guard against Moscow.
BBCOn December 19, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Aleksander Turchinov confirmed that Ukraine has planned to send warships to the Sea of Azov. This official said that this is a necessary action to prevent Russia from taking full control of the sea area between the two countries.
The Russian Foreign Ministry on the same day called Mr. Turchinov's statement "a provocative, irresponsible act," stressing that the move would only escalate tensions.
