Britain, Norway create maritime coalition to support Ukraine

The British Ministry of Defence shared the information.

"New coalition will deliver long-term support to Ukraine, including training, equipment, and infrastructure to bolster security in the Black Sea," the statement said.

It noted that the Russian blockade of the Black Sea has significantly reduced Ukraine's ability to export goods by sea. Therefore, strengthening the maritime capabilities of the Ukrainian military, in particular, countering the threat of Russian sea mines, will help restore Ukraine's maritime exports.

British Secretary of Defense Grant Shapps emphasized that the new Maritime Capabilities Coalition will coordinate the support provided by the UK, Norway and other countries to Ukraine. According to him, in the long run, this will help Ukraine "transform its navy, making it more compatible with Western allies, more interoperable with NATO, and bolstering security in the Black Sea."

In addition, the maritime coalition will also work closely with the Ukrainian Navy and Ministry of Defence to develop capabilities, including the rapid development of the Black Sea Naval Forces, modernization of the Ukrainian Marines and river patrol vessels to protect coastal areas as well as inland waterways.

Moreover, the British Ministry of Defence claimed in a statement that the new coalition would provide Ukraine with minesweepers, special-purpose warships whose main task is to search for, detect, and destroy sea mines.

Later, the Ukrainian MoD said that in addition to the Chernihiv (M310) and Cherkasy (M311) minesweepers, the UK would provide Ukraine with 20 Viking amphibious vehicles and 23 speedboats.

According to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, the ceremony presenting the coalition will take place today in London. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram will attend.

For reference, a minesweeper is a special-purpose warship whose main task is to search for, detect, and destroy sea mines.

• Earlier, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron announced a new winter humanitarian aid package of £26.75 million for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.