Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of whether Russia's actions in the Black Sea towards (a) HMS Defender on 23 June 2021 and (b) the Royal Netherlands naval vessel HNMLS Evertsen on 24 June 2021 represent a potential pattern of challenging NATO.

HMS DEFENDER was conducting innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters in accordance with international law, taking the most direct route from Odesa to Batumi, En route, she interacted with a number of Russian military vessels and aircraft: at no point was she fired upon nor bombs dropped in her path. It remains essential that all conduct is safe, professional and in line with international law. HNMLS EVERTSON was also taking the most direct route from Odesa to her destination. The UK will continue to demonstrate our commitment to maintaining regional security and freedom of navigation by undertaking periodic deployments, including under NATO, to work with allies and partners in the Black Sea region. We continue to encourage Russia to work co-operatively to reduce the risk of miscalculation.