Two ships from the Royal Navy deployed to Ukraine for mine-clearing operations

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the Royal Navy will transfer two of its minehunter ships to Ukraine in order to enhance the country's maritime capabilities. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated that these vessels will aid in reopening vital export routes that have been constrained since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, there are concerns regarding how and when the ships will be able to access the Black Sea, as Turkey controls access through the Bosphorus. Additionally, the UK will form a coalition with Norway to provide long-term support for Ukraine. The details of these plans will be outlined by Mr. Shapps and his Norwegian counterpart later today. The provision of the minehunters has been in progress for some time, as part of a broader package of maritime support promised before the Russian invasion. The Royal Navy has been training Ukrainian crews on how to operate the ships. Rebuilding Ukraine's navy is crucial for the country, which relies not only on support from Western nations but also on access through the narrow strait between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Russia's blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports has had severe implications for naval operations and exports, with significant quantities of grain being trapped. Strengthening Ukraine's maritime capabilities, particularly in countering the threat of Russian sea mines, will help restore the country's maritime exports. The MoD has highlighted the importance of developing a maritime force in the Black Sea, along with a Ukrainian Marine Corps and river patrol craft to protect coastal and inland waterways.