Britain will send two Royal Navy mine-hunting ships to Ukraine to aid detection of Russian mines in the Black Sea and help Kyiv restore maritime exports, the UK government said Monday. Ukraine’s ability to move exports by sea has been severely impacted since Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and his blockade of the Black Sea. “These minehunters will deliver vital capability to Ukraine, which will help save lives at sea and open up vital export routes,” Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said. The initiative will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereign waters and bolster security in the Black Sea, he said. Shapps was also expected to announce further details of UK military support to Ukraine at the launch.
