UK to supply ten warships to Ukraine given the rising tension with Russia

London/Moscow/Kyiv: – The United Kingdom has decided to sign a defence agreement with Ukraine amid growing tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine issue. The agreement was concurred upon during the visit of UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace to Ukraine. It is being said that the preliminary stage of the deal has been completed. According to the agreement, the United Kingdom will supply ten warships and defence equipment to Ukraine. Moreover, given the agreement between the United Kingdom and Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again accused the western nations of festering the situation in Ukraine.

Last week, UK Defence Chief, General Nick Carter, warned that for the first time, since the end of the Cold War, the threat of war between the West and Russia has reached a new high. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that Europe would then have to choose between Ukraine and Russian fuel. Meanwhile, UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace visited Ukraine to assess the situation and show support for Ukraine.

During the visit, essential discussions were taken regarding defence cooperation between the United Kingdom and Ukraine. In this discussion, both countries concurred on a defence agreement. The deal between the United Kingdom and Ukraine is worth $2.29 billion. Under the agreement, the United Kingdom will supply two ‘minehunters’ to Ukraine. In addition, eight missile ships and one destroyer will be jointly built. The United Kingdom will also supply arms to the Ukrainian navy. Sources said that the preliminary stage of the agreement has been signed.

A joint statement issued by defence ministers of the United Kingdom and Ukraine cited, ‘We are concerned by Russia’s military build-up and activity around the borders of Ukraine. Ukraine’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity is indisputable.’ A few months ago, a UK warship patrolled the territorial waters between Ukraine and Russia. At the time, it was reported that the Russian navy had threatened and bombed the British warship. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the United Kingdom over the issue. Taking this into account, the decision of the United Kingdom to sign a defence agreement with Ukraine becomes significant. In the wake of the deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again targeted the West. Movements from the West are increasing near the Russian border as well as on the Ukrainian border. Putin warned that these moves could provoke a conflict. The United States has responded to Putin’s warning.

White House spokeswoman Jane Psaki said, ‘We also continue to have serious concerns about Russian military activities and harsh rhetoric toward Ukraine, and call on Moscow to deescalate tensions.’ NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg reminded that NATO had also fired a salvo of criticism on Russia, saying that Russia had intervened and attacked other countries even in the past.

Russia has reportedly deployed more than 90,000 troops along Ukraine’s border to escalate military pressure and create tensions. NATO member states and the United States have become active in response to the Russian move. European member states, including Ukraine, have stepped up defence preparedness and increased fighter jets and warships transits. This seems to be escalating the tension further in the region.