UK to give 2 minehunting ships to bolster Ukrainian navy

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) - Britain’s Royal Navy will transfer two of its minehunter ships to the armed forces of Ukraine “in a move to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to operate at sea,” the Defense Ministry said on Monday.

“These minehunters will deliver vital capability to Ukraine which will help save lives at sea and open up vital export routes, which have been severely limited since Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion,” Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said, referring to Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022.

As the UK and Norway launch a new Maritime Capability Coalition, Shapps is scheduled to announce the procurement of two Sandown Class mine vessels at a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart in London later in the day.

The move builds on the UK Foreign Secretary’s visit to Ukraine last month where he welcomed the launch of the new ‘Unity Facility’ between the British company Marsh McLennan and Kyiv, which will provide affordable shipping insurance for grain and other critical food supplies globally from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.

The ministry said the new coalition will build the support that the UK, Norway, and others are providing to Ukraine.

“This will be long term to help Ukraine transform its navy, making it more compatible with western allies, more interoperable with NATO, and bolstering security in the Black Sea.”

Praising the procurement of the vessels and the maritime agreement with Norway, Shapps said: “This capability boost marks the beginning of a new dedicated effort by the UK, Norway and our allies to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime capabilities over the long term, enhancing their ability to operate in defending their sovereign waters and bolstering security in the Black Sea.”