Gavin Williamson today pledged Britain will stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression after a Royal Navy ship was sent to beef up defence in the Black Sea.
The Defence Secretary said he had dispatched HMS Echo to the region to show Britain's 'solidarity' with Kiev.
But in a sign tensions are rising in the region, Vladimir Putin hit back by sending a Russian warship towards the Azov Sea, just north of the Black Sea.
The frigate was spotted 1.5 nautical miles off the Crimean coast in the area of the town of Feodosia, with a helicopter was visible onboard.
Speaking on a visit to Odessa in South Ukraine today, Mr Wiliamson said: 'The reason...that HMS Echo is here is that we firstly want to demonstrate the solidarity that we have with Ukraine and the fact that Ukraine doesn't stand alone.
'But we also demonstrate our right to be able to come to ports such as Odessa, for freedom of navigation, for freedom for navies to be able to operate in the Black Sea. This isn't Russia's sea, this is an international sea.'
The visit comes amid rising tensions in the region and growing fears the simmering conflict between Russia and Ukraine could explode into all out war.
Gavin Williamson (pictured on board a Ukrainian frigate today) today said Britain sent a Royal Navy ship to the Black Sea help Ukraine stand up to Putin's Russia
The Defence Secretary (pictured today disembarking from a Ukrainian Navy frigate) said the waters of the Black Sea do not belong to Moscow
Gavin Williamson (pictured meeting with his Ukrainian counterparts today in Odessa) is visiting the country amid rising tensions with Moscow
Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2014, annexing Crimea and sparking a civil war which still rages in the east of the country.
And tensions escalated last month when Russia fired on and seized three Ukrainian naval vessels off the Crimean Peninsula.
The stand-off sparked fears of an all-out war between the two countries and led Ukraine to declare martial law.
HMS Echo, a Navy warship equipped with cutting edge spy technology, docked in Odessa two days ago.
It is expected to carry out drills in the Black Sea as a show of strength against Russia.
Mr Williamson announced last month that they would 'strengthen their defence partnership in the face of intensifying threats and aggression' when his Ukrainian counterpart Stepan Poltorak visited the UK.
Speaking at the time, Mr Williamson said: As long as Ukraine faces Russian hostilities, it will find a steadfast partner in the United Kingdom.
'By continuing to work together, whether through training programmes or military exercises, we help Ukraine to stand up for our shared values.
'Those values of freedom and democracy cannot be traded. I have witnessed on the frontline the effects of the conflict in the East and this has completely reinforced my support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.'
HMS Echo, a Navy warship equipped with cutting edge spy technology, docked in Odessa two days ago (pictured)
Mr Poltorak said: 'The United Kingdom is a valued partner that has supported Ukraine's Armed Forces for the last four years in the face of Russian aggression.
'As we fight to defend our territory, the offer of extended support from the UK Armed Forces is vitally important and gratefully received.'
Mr Williamson also announced that HMS Echo would deploy to the Black Sea in 2019 to demonstrate the UK's support to ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.
And in January and February next year, training teams – made up of personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Army – will deploy to Ukraine as part of the extension to the UK's military training operation.
Link hienalouca.com
https://hienalouca.com/2018/12/21/gavin-williamson-sends-ship-to-black-sea-to-help-ukraine-stand-up-to-russia/
Main photo article Gavin Williamson today pledged Britain will stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression after a Royal Navy ship was sent to beef up defence in the Black Sea.
The Defence Secretary said he had dispatched HMS Echo to the region to show Britain’s ‘solidarity’ with Kiev.
But in a ...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Online news HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/21/14/7704150-6520165-image-a-38_1545401468391.jpg
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