Prime Minister Sir Keir starmer warned that Russia was intensifying its attacks on Ukrainian ports along the Black Sea, delaying the exportation of agricultural products and aid to Palestinians caught in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
During a series of strikes that began in early October, Russian weaponry struck at least four cargo vessels, including one that was reportedly carrying 6,000 tons of corn.
Sir Keir stated that Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, was willing to “gamble on global food security” in order to “force Ukraine into submission”.
The Prime Minister’s remarks were made as he traveled to the Pacific Island Samoa, where he will be attending a meeting of Commonwealth leaders of government.
During several days of strikes, Russian missile strikes on the Odesa region hit a Panamanian-registered ship and a Palau-flagged cargo ship were also attacked, killing one person on-board.
The southern city of Zaporizhzhia was hit by a series of injuries as 29 homes were destroyed. Regional officials released pictures showing a giant crater with wood and bricks scattered all over.
The wave of strikes in Ukraine’s Black Sea port coincided with the European tour of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who visited leaders in London and Paris, Rome, and Berlin.
Sir Keir remarked that the increase in Russian attacks coincided closely with harvest season.
Despite the war in Ukraine, it is still a major supplier of agricultural products.
British intelligence indicates that Russian officials are increasing their “risk appetite” for attacking Ukrainian ports, with grain ships being described as “collateral damages” in Russia’s offensive.
Sir Keir stated that the “indiscriminate” attacks “harm millions of vulnerable people in Africa, Asia and Middle East”.
According to Ukrainian figures more than 20 civilian vessels have been damaged by Russian attacks since the beginning of the war in the year 2022.
The damage to grain silos and other port infrastructure has also been severe.
After Moscow pulled out of the Black Sea grain agreement last year, Ukraine was able to create a maritime route that ensures the safety of grain imports.
According to the Agriculture Ministry in Kyiv, 962,000 tonnes were exported in the first 10 days of October – twice the volume shipped during the same period last.
Sir Keir told journalists traveling with him to Samoa that the recent recruitment of North Korean troops by Russia was “an embarrassment and desperate act”.
The British government announced on Tuesday that it will give Ukraine an additional PS2,26bn based on the profits of Russian assets in Europe.
The government has already pledged PS3bn to fund Ukraine’s war efforts.
The UK‘s unwavering support for Ukraine is demonstrated by the funding announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.