The United Kingdom and Norway have formed a maritime coalition to support Ukraine, as announced by the UK Ministry of Defence. Both nations united to supply ships and other transport means to Ukrainian defenders for maritime operations.
“The UK will lead a new Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway, delivering ships and vehicles to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to operate at sea,” the statement reads.
The alliance will collaborate with the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense for the ‘rapid development of a maritime force in the Black Sea, continuing to develop a Ukrainian Marine Corps, and river patrol craft to defend coastal and inland waterways.’
“Ukraine’s economy continues to be impacted by Putin’s blockade in the Black Sea, which has significantly reduced the country’s ability to move vital exports by sea. Strengthening the AFU’s maritime capabilities, in particular countering the threat from Russian sea mines, will help restore Ukraine’s maritime exports,” the ministry added.
Ukraine will soon receive two Royal Navy Sandown Class Mine Counter-Measure Vessels. “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,” UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said.
In addition to the Sandown-class ships, the UK-Norway maritime coalition will deliver 20 Viking Amphibious vehicles and 23 raiding craft to Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
The initiative will be part of a “series of new coalitions” between NATO members to provide long-term military support to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the UK and Norway for creating the new Maritime Forces and Assets Coalition to support Ukraine. “Together, we will strengthen the Ukrainian navy, safeguard maritime transportation routes, and secure freedom of navigation. Building on Ukraine’s 2023 victory in the battle for the Black Sea, we will keep Russian terror away from the region and ensure that Ukrainian food exports keep contributing to global food security,” Zelenskyy wrote.
In October, Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria announced the creation of a joint mission for demining the Black Sea, joining forces to clear the Black Sea of mines that are entering their waters due to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
Cover: UK MoD
