DISINFO: UK eager to prolong Ukraine war and set up naval base in Odesa port
SUMMARY
The United Kingdom is determined to prolong the conflict in Ukraine as it has its own interests in the Black Sea region. The British, primarily through their intelligence services, have already established a significant presence in Odesa, which they consider a key city for themselves and where they are planning to establish a naval base. That is why they are not interested in a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets accusing the UK of warmongering and escalating tensions with Russia. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The UK, like its allies in the European Union, supports Ukraine with military aid, financial assistance, and diplomatic backing. This support is aimed at helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion, not at prolonging the war for London’s own interests.
Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has been going on since 2014 when Moscow illegally annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and instigated a proxy war in the country’s eastern regions. This aggression has developed into the ongoing full-scale invasion, which started in 2022 and which would end if Russia withdrew its forces from all of Ukraine's internationally recognised territory. The UK has consistently backed efforts to bring Russia to the negotiating table under conditions that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
There are no official statements or agreements supporting the allegation that the UK wants to set up a military naval base in the Ukrainian city of Odesa. While the UK has helped Ukraine strengthen its navy by providing naval vessels and training, there is no indication that it intends to establish a permanent naval base. The UK does have economic and security interests in the Black Sea, particularly regarding trade and freedom of navigation, but this does not mean it seeks control over Ukrainian ports. Odesa is a vital hub for global grain exports, and the UK, along with its allies, has supported efforts to keep Ukrainian grain flowing despite Russian attempts to blockade it.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that The war in Ukraine is an English war and the UK does not want a peace deal, that The UK has been using Ukraine to threaten Russia for centuries, and that The UK has a key role in the hybrid war with Russia.