UK To Transfer Two Minehunter Ships To Strengthen Ukraine’s Maritime Defence

Two Royal Navy minehunter ships will be transferred from the United Kingdom to Ukraine to strengthen its maritime defences, especially considering the threat of Russian sea mines.

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps made the announcement, pointing out how important these vessels would be in reopening vital export routes that have been restricted ever since Russia invaded Ukraine.

According to Shapps, the UK and Norway are forming a “maritime coalition” to offer Ukraine sustained assistance. In addition to addressing the current issues, the objective is to support the growth of a Ukrainian navy that will be able to defend the nation in the future.

Although this is a positive step, Turkey still controls access across the Bosphorus, so it is unclear how and when the minehunter ships will be allowed to enter the Black Sea.

The UK made a more significant commitment to provide maritime support before Russia invaded Ukraine, which included the provision of these vessels. Over the summer, Ukrainian crews have been trained by the Royal Navy to operate minehunters.

Shapps denied rumours that the West was growing disinterested in the war, focusing instead on how critical it was to avoid an intolerable situation in which an oppressive leader occupies an openly democratic neighbouring nation without sustained international attention and backing.

The action comes at a crucial moment for Ukraine, which has used long-range missiles and drones to target Russia’s Black Sea fleet successfully.

Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports has resulted in problems with exports and the navy, impacting the movement of essential commodities like grain.

The UK and Norway have formed a maritime coalition to meet these challenges. The coalition’s main objectives are to strengthen the Ukrainian Marine Corps, quickly build a naval force in the Black Sea, and deploy river patrol boats to protect inland and coastal waterways.

Reference: BBC, Reuters

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Source: Maritime Shipping News