UK to help Ukraine deal with grain deal issue.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke on Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and promised the United Kingdom will press the rest of the Group of 20 (G20) to help the conflict-hit country overcome the issues caused by Russia's exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
"President Zelensky updated on Ukraine's counteroffensive and ongoing military requirements, and the prime minister pledged the UK's steadfast support and commended Ukraine's armed forces for their progress on the battlefield," Sunak's spokesperson told the media.
Meanwhile, Zelensky thanked the UK in a tweet for "its firm support, including crucial military aid," while urging "partners to help us strengthen the air defense of the Odessa region," where the alternative export route starts.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this the background of the meeting between Putin and Erdoğan in Sochi.
Commenting on the British Prime Minister's support for Ukraine, British expert Neil Watson told Ednews that this morning, British Prime Minister has criticised Russian President Putin for refusing to attend the G20 in India and has pledged to use British military and security services to monitor the Black Sea to stop Russian ships from intercepting Ukrainian vessels transporting grain to developing countries:
"Prime Minister Sunak commented: “the loss of the grain pact is causing enormous suffering to millions of people. That initiative provided 30 million tonnes of grain to around 45 countries who really needed it… in the last month Russia has destroyed more grain than would have fed a million people for a year… it is causing suffering in Ukraine, but also causing suffering to millions of people in very vulnerable countries around the World.”
According to expert, Rishi Sunak then urged Russia to be held to account for its actions and stressed that a major Food Security Conference will be soon hosted in London:
"This is one of the strongest condemnations to date by the UK of Russian aggression and its implications for Ukraine and its impact on international food security and food prices. My firm belief is that the UK is leading the way in bringing together the international community - both in and outside NATO - against Russian aggression - and placing enormous pressure on Russia to change its policies."
"Obviously we all hope that the mere presence of British military will be sufficient to ensure the security of Ukrainian grain exports and not a shot will be fired. But I believe that the west is losing patience with Russia, its aggression and its impact on the world. It is now time for Russia to start talks with the west and for Putin to do what he can to save his face in the eyes of the Russian people", N.Watson concluded.
Ulviyya Shahin