Rishi Sunak and Volodymyr Zelenskyy/Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
The British are actively leading the so-called Maritime Coalition, with one of their primary objectives being the reduction of Russia’s capabilities in the Black Sea, as stated by Oleksandr Musienko, Director of the Center for Military and Legal Studies. He shared this insight during the program «This Week» on Hromadske Radio with Tetyana Troshchynska.
It was reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed a security agreement during a meeting in Kyiv on January 12. This agreement will remain in effect until Ukraine joins NATO.
«Everything unfolding in the context of our relations with the UK is somehow centered around the issue of Crimea and the Black Sea. The British are actively leading the Maritime Coalition, aiming firstly to diminish Russia’s capabilities in the Black Sea and support Ukraine in neutralizing the aggressor state’s Black Sea Fleet. Secondly, the goal is to bolster Ukraine’s economy by maintaining trade routes in the Black Sea to the ports of the Odesa region. In other words, it is openly stated that Ukraine must preserve access to the sea under any circumstances and weaken Russia. Thirdly, it addresses the opportunities and prospects for the de-occupation of Crimea», — explained Musienko.
According to him, last year’s assistance from the UK, including the training of the Ukrainian military and discussions on various projects, decisions, and further cooperation, in any case revolved around the issue of Crimea.
«There is historical memory at play here: the British recall their role, alongside France, in sinking the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Balaklava Bay during the mid-nineteenth century Crimean War. The importance of Odesa stems from being the gateway to the Black Sea.
Even an examination of the structure of arms supplies from Britain reveals a focus on strengthening the navy, intelligence, and air force. This includes long-range weapons like Storm Shadow missiles designed to target the enemy in occupied Crimea. This strategic approach aligns with our success in this naval war, where Ukraine has proven quite effective», — added the Hromadske Radio editor-in-chief’s interviewee.
He emphasized the significance of the agreement signed by Sunak and Zelensky, stating that it is «important because, for the first time, there is a document that de jure fixes certain obligations of the parties».