Maritime coalition to bolster Ukraine's naval capabilities — Defense Express

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"It should be noted that the coalition is called the Maritime Capability Coalition. It is about creating opportunities for Ukraine on the sea and rivers. The UK and Norway are maritime powers with long-standing maritime traditions and approaches, so these countries should be listened to. The point is that Ukraine, as a country of two seas, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, should restore its territorial waters within the limits that belong to Ukraine. Secondly, Ukraine needs to restore the functionality of its ports and maritime communications, which are crucial for food supplies to over 50 countries," the naval expert commented.

He stated that the UK proposed providing Ukraine with a loan for building a fleet, acquiring ships, and training personnel even before the full-scale aggression began.

"I see that with the help of the coalition there will be a comprehensive approach to weakening Russia in the Black Sea. Since the straits will be closed, we are being given what can be delivered by land. These are speedboats and tracked amphibious vehicles for the marines, which we need on the islands in the Dnipro River Delta. Our Navy has created three separate bridgeheads on the left bank, and if necessary, we will launch a major attack to expand and unite these bridgeheads. And then we will go to liberate the Kherson region, and maybe even Crimea. Next year, the main events will unfold there. Therefore, the support of the Maritime Capability Coalition is very timely and, in my opinion, this is just the beginning," summarized Volodymyr Zablotskyi.

• On December 13, the UK announced the creation of a coalition to develop Ukraine's maritime capabilities: among its tasks are the safety of civilian shipping and ensuring the operation of the grain corridor.