The British government announced on Monday that the United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with two ships to assist Kyiv in detecting Russian naval mines in the Black Sea and to strengthen its sea-based exports. British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated in a press release that these two ships will provide Ukraine with vital capabilities that will help save lives at sea and open important export routes.
Ukrainian exports have significantly declined since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February 2022, as the Black Sea has become a primary battleground between Moscow and Kyiv. The supply of these two ships by London coincides with an announcement by Shapps and his Norwegian counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram on Monday about a naval capabilities alliance.
Shapps stated that this is a new effort by the United Kingdom, Norway, and their allies to enhance Ukraine’s long-term maritime capabilities. He added that the goal is to enable Kyiv to defend its territorial waters and bolster security in the Black Sea.
This new alliance was decided during recent meetings of a contact group comprising around fifty countries. Since the Russian attack on Ukraine began in February 2022, the United Kingdom has contributed 5.3 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.
Shapps is also expected to reveal new elements of the military support that London is providing to Kyiv on Monday.
UK has provided vital medical supplies and other humanitarian help, committing almost £400 million, including £220 million for humanitarian purposes. In terms of military aid, the UK has supplied Ukraine with main battle tanks, helicopters, anti-tank weapons, anti-air missiles, and other equipment. Additionally, over 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained with the support of UK allies since 2022. The UK has also imposed extensive sanctions on Russia and Belarus to cut off funding for Putin’s war machine, targeting over 1,000 individuals, entities, and subsidiaries
