UK invests $155 million to protect Black Sea Grain Corridor

The UK government has announced an additional £120 million ($155 million) to the Maritime Capability Coalition to enhance protection for the Black Sea Grain Corridor.

London is seeking partners to help finance the acquisition of hundreds more maritime drones and surveillance radars, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"The UK has been at the forefront of efforts to safeguard the maritime corridor in the Black Sea," stated government officials.

The coalition, co-led by the UK and Norway, aims to provide advanced naval capabilities to Ukraine and has played a crucial role in supplying the Ukrainian Navy with maritime drones.

In addition, the UK and Norway will jointly invest £100 million in numerous projects, with recent deliveries including all-terrain vehicles, raid boats, anti-ship missiles, and ammunition for machine guns.

Notably, in the wake of increased Russian attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure, which have disrupted aid deliveries and grain supplies, UK intelligence reports a notable escalation in Russia's risk-taking regarding strikes on port facilities. 

Between October 5 and 14, at least four merchant vessels were attacked, including those carrying essential supplies for the World Food Program.

In addition, Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Russia's actions, stating, "These indiscriminate strikes highlight Putin's willingness to gamble with global food security in his efforts to force Ukraine into submission." In response, security measures will be heightened in the ports of Odesa, focusing on personnel safety and infrastructure restoration.

By Aghakazim Guliyev