The United Kingdom is nudging Ukraine into new military provocations by deploying a Royal Navy ship to the Black Sea, the Russian Embassy in London said, UrduPoint reported.
On Friday, UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said that the United Kingdom had deployed HMS Echo multi-role reconnaissance ship to the Black Sea in order to show "solidarity" with Ukrainein the wake of the incident in the Kerch Strait, and send a signal to Russia. Earlier, media reported that the ship would stay in the port city of Odessa for several days and then conduct a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Ukrainian Navy flagship.
"Having failed to effectively neutralize drones over the Gatwick Airport, [UK Defense Secretary Gavin] Williamson has engaged in a more reliable activity to incite Ukraine to new military provocations. Russia has really received a signal: whatever irresponsible steps the Kiev regime takes, the UK conservative government will always provide it with political and military support. This is how London is trying to 'contribute' to the settlement of the internal Ukrainian conflict," the embassy's spokesperson told reporters.
The diplomat added that Williamson's Friday visit to Odessa was particularly telling against the backdrop of Kiev's "preparations for a military action on December 24-25" with a view to extending martial law in the country.
