Four Ukrainian minesweepers may join demining mission in the Strait of Hormuz – Times
During the meeting, they expressed Ukraine's willingness to support its allies in the Middle East.
The vessels currently in the UK include HMS Shoreham and HMS Grimsby, which the Royal Navy transferred to Ukraine in 2023, as well as UNS Mariupol (M310) and UNS Melitopol (M300), provided by the Netherlands and Belgium, respectively.
In the long term, Ukraine hopes these ships will take part in mine clearance operations following the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war. However, they are currently unable to reach the Black Sea.
The report also highlights other forms of support under consideration, such as the use of maritime drones or anti-drone equipment — both of which could be deployed to protect shipping against Iranian attacks.
Background
Earlier, the UK delivered two Royal Navy minesweepers to Ukraine in 2024. The ships, now in Portsmouth, were renamed "Chernihiv" and "Cherkasy" in memory of the Ukrainian minesweepers lost during the occupation of Crimea in 2014. Their crews are undergoing training for future operations in the Black Sea.
Additionally, it was reported that Türkiye, citing the Montreux Convention, which closes the straits to military vessels of warring parties, will not allow the two UK-gifted minesweepers to pass into the Black Sea.
In 2025, the Netherlands also provided Ukraine with a minehunter ship and is expected to supply another later in the year.
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4 of May 2026
