The Kremlin expressed concern over a 100-year defense, science, energy, and trade partnership agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, Kommersant reported on Jan. 17, citing Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

“Given that the UK is a NATO member, the advancement of its military infrastructure towards our borders is certainly an element that is quite worrying,” he said, adding that further “analysis” was needed.

Moscow also has a negative attitude toward any cooperation between Kyiv and London in the Sea of Azov, which Russia claims as its “inland sea” after the occupation of the Ukrainian coastal line.

“It is unlikely that any cooperation between Ukraine and the UK is possible there.”

The 100-year partnership agreement signed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Kyiv on Jan. 16 includes collaboration in science, technology, health care, agriculture, and even education. The agreement outlines a new plan to improve security in the Baltic, Black and Azov seas.

Cooperation between the two countries may also extend to energy and critical mineral resources.

https://english.nv.ua/nation/russia-blasts-uk-ukraine-defense-deal-fears-nato-threat-50482459.html