Russia promises to shoot British ship if it violates again

UMMATIMES - "We invite people to respect common sense and international law but if that doesn't help we can bomb not only the shipping lanes of the ship but also its targets," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by the Independent, Thursday (24/6). .

In its first response to the incident, the Kremlin described the operation of the British destroyer HMS Defender as a 'deliberate act of provocation'. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was "deeply concerned" by Britain's operations in the waters off the Crimean Peninsula.

Addressing reporters, Peskov said the operation was "unacceptable and inconsistent" with international law. The HMS Defender shipping route from Ukraine to Georgia via Cape Fiolent in Crimea has been the subject of claims and disputes.

Moscow says British warships violated their territory. While Britain and most other Western countries say the territory belongs to Ukraine. According to Russia, the British action was a provocation.

While Britain played down the impact of friction with Russia in the Black Sea. Russia said it should fire warning shots at the British destroyer to stop it going any deeper into its territory.

On Sky News television station, Britain's Environment Minister George Eustice said such cannon fire drills were not too unusual. Russia is a country with the largest military power in the world.

Moscow says British warships are encroaching on their territory. While Britain and most other Western countries say the territory belongs to Ukraine. According to Russia, the British action was a provocation.

Britain has denied Russia's claims that its navy was forced to fire warning shots and drop bombs on the shipping lanes of the HMS Defender warship. "I don't think there's an incident where people should get too carried away," Eustice said.