The UK will provide two warships to Ukraine and, together with Norway, will lead a coalition to strengthen the Ukrainian Navy
The British Royal Navy will hand over two of its minesweepers to Kyiv to strengthen Ukraine’s naval capabilities, the UK Defense Ministry reports. The head of the department, Grant Shapps, said that the ships would help reopen “vital export routes” that have been restricted since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Royal Navy has long been preparing to hand over two minesweepers to Ukraine. The possibility of supplying them was considered even before the outbreak of a full-scale war. This summer, the British Navy trained Ukrainian crews in the use of ships.
However, questions still remain as to how and when these ships will be able to enter the Black Sea, as Turkey controls access through the Bosphorus.
The Ministry of Defense also announced that the UK is forming a coalition with Norway on maritime capabilities for long-term support to Ukraine. In a statement, the department said that Shapps will outline the plans in detail later on Monday with his Norwegian counterpart.
According to the British minister, the support for the Ukrainian Navy “will mark the beginning of a new and focused effort by the UK, Norway and our allies to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime capabilities” aimed at protecting sovereign waters and enhancing security in the Black Sea.
“As an island nation with a rich maritime history, the UK and the Royal Navy are particularly well placed to support this endeavor,” Shapps said.
