The British Royal Navy turned down a request to protect civilian ships carrying grain from Ukraine - Vedomosti.

According to information published in the "Vedomosti" newspaper, the British Royal Navy will not provide protection to civilian ships transporting grain from Ukraine. The reference to this information was made based on a publication in "The Guardian" newspaper and statements by the UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps.

Earlier, there were reports in the media that Britain could assist in guarding commercial ships transporting Ukrainian grain. Referring to these claims, publications reported that the British Defence Secretary, during his visit to Kyiv last week, had made a commitment to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, Shapps denied these claims.

"I doubt that I had such a conversation with President Zelensky," said the UK Defence Secretary.

He emphasized that the British fleet does not plan to participate in Black Sea patrols. However, the Minister added that Britain and other Western countries may provide Ukraine with consultations regarding food exports.