UK says it will target Russia's 'ailing economy,' defense industry

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated her country’s continued support for Ukraine, vowing Tuesday to target Russia’s economy and defense industry.

"I say to the representative of the Russian Federation: We will target your ailing economy, your oil and gas revenues that are paying for this war, and the defense industry that is making your ammunition and weapons," Cooper said at a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

She said Russia's war is not just a test of "Ukrainian resilience and security" but an "assault" on the UN Nations Charter and its most foundational principles.

"it is an assault on the UN Charter by a member of this Security Council," she said.

Cooper noted that what is happening on the ground shows that Ukraine has "repeatedly" undermined Russia's military goals, so despite huge Russian mobilization attempts in the last three years, their overall impact on the goals has been "minimal" in the war.

"As Ukraine stands firm against Russia, the United Kingdom stands firm with Ukraine. We know that Ukraine's security is our security, and all of us depend on upholding the UN Charter," she added.

Turning to recent alleged Russian violations of NATO airspace in Estonia, Poland and Romania, Cooper said they will be ready to act "so the UK will continue to stand with Ukraine, providing the support it needs to defend itself now."