UK Sounds Alarm Bells over Russian Aggression in Black Sea

Following its unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea grain export agreement, Russia focused on the port facilities of Odesa, located in southwestern Ukraine. Expressing concern, the U.K. government cautioned that Russia might act aggressively against civilian vessels in the Black Sea to halt Ukrainian grain exports. This prompts two essential questions: what prompted the British government to warn about Russia’s intentions towards civilian vessels? Secondly, what factors have recently contributed to the heightened apprehension surrounding global food security?

Russia’s hostage-taking of global food Supplies

The British alert concerning Russia’s potential targeting of civilian vessels carries significant gravity. As reported by the Independent, British Foreign Minister James Cleverly remarked on Tuesday, July 25, while conveying this cautionary message, that the government intends to bring up this “unacceptable conduct” in the United Nations Security Council. Cleverly emphasised, “Russia must cease its actions of manipulating global food supplies and recommit to the agreement.”

U.K.’s efforts to bring Russia back into the grain export agreement

The British alert regarding Russia’s potential targeting of civilian vessels emerged in response to Russia’s recent actions. London’s position follows British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressing his dismay over Russia’s assaults on the port of Odesa during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Sunak further underscored the United Kingdom’s endeavours to encourage Russia’s re-engagement in Ukraine’s grain export agreement via the Black Sea.

New concerns about global food security

The British caution regarding Russia’s potential targeting of civilian vessels stems from worldwide food security apprehension. Russia’s unilateral cancellation of a grain export agreement via the Black Sea, facilitated by Turkey and monitored by the U.N., has triggered heightened concerns about global food security. This move extended the ongoing conflict and introduced fresh anxieties about food availability. Adding to the alarm, Russia has recently launched numerous missiles and drones towards the Odesa region, which serves as Ukraine’s central point for grain exports.

U.K.’s shock at the recent Russian attacks

During a telephone conversation, the British Prime Minister told Zelenskyy that Britain is collaborating with Turkey to restore the agreement and will maintain a vigilant watch over the situation. A spokesperson from Downing Street stated, “The heads of the two nations deliberated on recent advancements in the conflict zone and the persistent advancement of Ukrainian forces despite adverse circumstances.” The spokesperson expressed astonishment at the destruction caused by the recent Russian assaults on Odessa.

U.K.’s condemnation of Russia’s behaviour

Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson said, “The prime minister said the U.K. was working closely with Turkey on restoring the grain deal, and we would continue to use our role as chair of the U.N. Security Council to condemn Russia’s behaviour further.” Sunak also warned that Russia is increasingly looking to target commercial civilian vessels in the Black Sea region, and the U.K. is closely monitoring the situation alongside its partners.

British sanctions against Russia

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced on August 22 new sanctions against individuals and companies outside of Russia that support Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as three Russian companies that import critical electronics for Russian military equipment used on the battlefield. Did Recent actions by cutting off Putin’s access to foreign military equipment will damage Russia’s defence systems?

Sanctioning three Russian companies active in the electronics sector

The United Kingdom imposes sanctions on three Russian electronics firms due to their involvement in providing UK-sanctioned Western microelectronics, which are crucial for Russia’s ongoing engagement in Ukraine. These sanctions are a component of a broader set of actions aimed at individuals integral to the provision and funding of Putin’s military operations. This initiative represents the most extensive effort by the U.K. to date in curtailing military suppliers from third countries.

Sanctions aimed at reducing Russian arsenals

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the recent historic sanctions would further reduce Russia’s arsenal and close the web of supply chains leading to Putin’s now struggling defence industry. There is no place for those who support the Russian military machine. Along with its G7 partners, the U.K. has repeatedly called on third parties to stop materially supporting Russian aggression or face high costs.

British sanctions against several Russian judges and officials

The U.K. government has sanctioned several Russian judges and officials for their involvement in the trial of Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza, calling the decision to reject an appeal against his prison sentence unjustifiable. Reuters reported that a Russian court had dismissed an appeal against the 25-year prison sentence of Kara-Murza, who has both Russian and British citizenship. Kara-Murza was sentenced to prison for treason and other crimes in April.

Rishi Sunak’s hostile stance against the Russian authorities

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Twitter: “This is desperate and unfounded. Rejecting Kara-Murza’s appeal is unjustifiable. He should be released immediately. The United Kingdom stands with him and his family.” Britain has added judges of the Moscow City Court, including Vitaly Belitsky, Ekaterina Mikhailovna Dorokhina and Natalia Nikolaevna Dudar, to its sanctions list. The country had already sanctioned some people related to this case.

Imprisonment of Kara-Murza for the crime of treason

Kara-Murza, a 41-year-old British-Russian citizen, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for treason against Russia by spreading false information about the country’s army and communicating with an undesirable organisation. The U.K. government demands his release under the pretext of his British citizenship, while the Moscow government does not recognise his dual citizenship.

Condemning the apparent interference of the U.K. in the affairs of Russia

Three months ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia summoned the British ambassador in Moscow and stated that London’s position in the case above is considered a blatant interference in Russia’s internal affairs and a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. In this meeting, the British ambassador was informed that Mr Kara-Murza’s British citizenship is not recognised according to the laws of the Russian federal government and that he is only considered a Russian citizen. It was also emphasised to the British side that London, with its dark history of human rights, needs to be in a position to preach to other countries. However, the U.K. has added the judge of the Kara-Murza case, two inspectors and two agents of the Russian spy service to the list of sanctions for their involvement in the case. According to the announcement of the U.K. Foreign Secretary, the sanctioned people are prohibited from travelling to this country and their property is blocked.

U.K.’s active role in the war between Ukraine and Russia

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the UK has become an active player in this battle, and adopting anti-Russian positions, sending weapons and military equipment and imposing sanctions against Russia has fueled tensions and conflicts. So far, this country has sanctioned more than 1,100 Russian citizens and more than 100 Russian government organisations and has sent more than 2.3 billion pounds of military equipment to Ukraine.