Naval coalition ships set sail for Ukraine

The United Kingdom and Norway have joined forces to bolster the Ukrainian Navy. London has promised to hand over two mine destroyers to the command of Kyiv.

The formation of this coalition was announced by the British Ministry of Defence.

"These mine-destroyers will endow Ukraine with crucial capabilities, which will facilitate life-saving measures at sea and reestablish crucial export routes that have been significantly restricted since Putin initiated an unlawful full-scale invasion," stated Defense Minister Grant Shapps.

The two mentioned ships are Sandown-class vessels, which, while in service with the Royal Navy, were known as HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham. Their transfer was formally announced several months ago, with Ukrainian sailors having trained to operate them since summer. The ships are scheduled to officially become the property of Ukraine on Monday.

Nevertheless, it is still unclear when and how these ships will reach the Black Sea, as passage through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits will be reliant on Turkey's cooperation.

Details on the London and Oslo coalition for Kyiv forthcoming

In terms of broader British-Norwegian support for Ukraine, specifics are anticipated to be revealed later on Monday in London by Shapps and his Norwegian peer, Bjorn Arild Gram.

"As an island nation with a rich maritime history, the United Kingdom and the Royal Navy are specially equipped to back this effort, which will be part of a series of new coalitions established among allies to ensure continuous military engagement in support of Ukraine," the British defense minister emphasized.