Moscow 26/1 – 42.86. The tension surrounding the new 100-year partnership between Ukraine and the U.K. is significant, especially given Russia’s strong opposition. The Azov Sea, a key strategic area for both economic and military reasons, is at the heart of the dispute.
Russia has long claimed it as part of its internal waters, especially after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and views any foreign military presence there as a direct challenge to its territorial claims.
The timing of the agreement, announced during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Kyiv, underscores the ongoing military and political backing Ukraine is receiving from the West.
The Kremlin expressed concern on Jan. 17 over potential deployment of British military assets in Ukraine under the agreement, particularly in the Azov Sea. Russia views the sea as part of its territory, citing its proximity to Russian borders, areas of southern Ukraine under Russian occupation, and Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014.
By committing to long-term security guarantees, the U.K. is solidifying its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, a stance that is clearly provoking Russia’s ire. Given the nature of the conflict and Russia’s vocal objections, it looks like this partnership will further strain relations between the U.K. and Russia.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed the agreement as meaningless from Russia’s perspective, calling it a “PR campaign” by Kyiv. She added that Moscow considers the Sea of Azov an “internal sea.” Most of the international community disagrees with this statement.
The message by the United Kingdom is clear. The Ukraine is too important to let it fall into Russian hands.
