UK warns of 'accelerating Russian threat' to global stability following Black Sea port strikes

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday warned about the growing Russian threat to global stability amid its attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea.

In a statement, the premier's office said that increasing attacks on Ukrainian ports delayed vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopped crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the Global South.

"There has been a noticeable increase in Russian risk appetite when conducting strikes on port infrastructure, with grain ships becoming collateral damage in Russia’s campaign," said the statement, citing UK intelligence.

Starmer said the Black Sea strikes show that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "willing to risk anything" in attempts to force Ukraine into submission.

The acceleration in attacks coincides with the harvest season in Ukraine, a country that remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, crucial for global food security, noted the statement.

"Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on ports in the Black Sea underscore that Putin is willing to gamble on global food security in his attempts to force Ukraine into submission," said Starmer.

Citing the Defence Intelligence agency, the statement said that on Oct. 5-14 at least four merchant vessels were struck by Russian munitions.

Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022, over 2 1/2 years ago.