- To improve its maritime capabilities, the Royal Navy plans to send two minehunter ships to Ukraine.
- The UK is also trying to secure long-term backing for Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s maritime exports will increase if the AFU is better equipped to defend against Russian sea mines.
To improve its maritime capabilities, the Royal Navy plans to send two minehunter ships to Ukraine. According to Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, the ships would aid in reopening “vital export routes” that have been restricted since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.
How they will cross into the Black Sea is still a mystery. Along with forming a coalition with Norway, the UK is also trying to secure long-term backing for Ukraine.
Minehunter ships
The UK, Norway, and allies have launched a new, concentrated effort to bolster Ukraine’s maritime capabilities with the proposal to upgrade the country’s navy. This initiative, which will be a part of several new coalitions formed between allies to ensure an ongoing military commitment in support of Ukraine, is especially well-positioned to receive support from the UK and the Royal Navy.
Two minehunters from the Royal Navy will be sent to Ukraine; this is part of a long-term commitment to provide UK maritime support to the country before Russia’s invasion. Throughout the summer, the Royal Navy trained the Ukrainian crews on how to operate the ships.
Even so, Turkey still controls access through the Bosphorus, raising concerns about how and when they will be allowed to enter the Black Sea.
It will take assistance from Western countries and access to cross the narrow strait separating the Mediterranean and Black Seas for Ukraine to rebuild its navy. Ukraine’s maritime exports will increase if the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are better equipped to defend against Russian sea mines.
