The Russian Federation strongly condemned the 100-year partnership agreement between Ukraine and the UK
Russia strongly condemned the 100-year strategic partnership agreement concluded between Ukraine and Great Britain, calling it interference in its interests, in particular in the Sea of Azov. The press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Maria Zakharova, said on January 18 that such agreements between Kyiv and London are “gross interference” and will meet “fierce resistance” from Moscow. It was reported Reuters and Russian mass media.
Russia says it will oppose any cooperation between Great Britain and Ukraine in the Sea of Azov. The Kremlin is particularly concerned about the possibility of placing British military forces on the territory of Ukraine within the framework of this agreement. Russia, which after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 considers the Sea of Azov its territory, considers these agreements as a threat to its borders and interests. Zakharova also called the agreement a “PR campaign of Kyiv”, stressing that Moscow insists that the Sea of Azov is Russia’s “internal sea”.
It will be recalled that the 100-year strategic partnership agreement was signed on January 16 during the visit of the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Keir Starmer, to Kyiv. It provides for the strengthening of military cooperation in the Baltic, Black and Azov seas.
This agreement underlines the long-term cooperation between Ukraine and Great Britain against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the region. The Sea of Azov is a strategically important waterway of economic and military importance to both sides. Russia’s objections indicate possible challenges in the implementation of agreements between Kyiv and London and emphasize the complexity of relations around this controversial region.
During his first visit to Ukraine in this position, the Prime Minister of Great Britain assured President Volodymyr Zelenskyi of his long-term support. Starmer called the partnership a “commitment to the security and sovereignty of Ukraine” and promised to provide robust security guarantees if ceasefire talks with Russia make progress.
