The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has announced that the Royal Navy will transfer two minehunter ships to Ukraine, aiming to enhance the country’s sea abilities in the wake of Russia’s invasion.
The move is part of a broader effort to reopen crucial export routes for Ukraine, significantly impacted since the beginning of the conflict.
Despite the positive development, uncertainties remain regarding the entry of the vessels into the Black Sea, controlled by Turkey through the Bosphorus. The vessels are expected to contribute to efforts in clearing mines from the Black Sea, offering support to Ukraine’s maritime capabilities.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasised the significance of the minehunter ships, stating that they would make a “significant difference” and aid in the clearance of mines from the Black Sea. Shapps also mentioned the formation of a “maritime coalition” with Norway, designed to provide long-term support to Ukraine and assist in building a navy capable of defending the country in the future.
Addressing concerns about waning interest in the conflict, Shapps stated, “We believe that we simply can’t have an outcome where an autocratic dictator walks into a neighbouring democratic country and then the West gets bored of it.”
The transfer of the minehunter ships has been in the works for some time, forming part of a broader maritime support package pledged to Ukraine before the Russian invasion. The Royal Navy has been engaged in training Ukrainian crews on how to operate the vessels over the past summer.
The broader maritime coalition between the UK and Norway aims to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime capabilities, focusing on countering the threat from Russian sea mines. The initiative seeks to restore Ukraine’s maritime exports, especially crucial given the country’s status as one of the world’s major suppliers of crops like sunflower oil, barley, maize, and wheat.
While Ukraine successfully targeted Russia’s Black Sea fleet in Crimea over the last six months, the country faces the challenge of rebuilding its navy. Access to the Black Sea remains a critical aspect of this effort, necessitating support from Western nations and the ability to navigate through the narrow strait connecting the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
The Ministry of Defence highlighted the new coalition’s focus on the rapid development of a maritime force in the Black Sea, the continued development of a Ukrainian Marine Corps, and the deployment of river patrol craft to defend coastal and inland waterways. The initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to counter naval threats and safeguard its maritime interests.
Kiki Garba
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