Ukraine has expressed its readiness to join a large-scale international operation to mine and secure the Strait of Hormuz, and Ukrainian minesweepers may become part of a multinational mission under the auspices of the United Kingdom and France as soon as the intensity of hostilities in the Middle East subsides. It was reported by The Times.
Ukrainian naval officers are currently preparing to participate in a strategic military planning summit. The event will be held at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood (UK). Representatives from more than 30 nations are expected to coordinate efforts and resources to protect commercial shipping in one of the world's most important maritime hubs.
Ukraine has confirmed that it is ready to deploy any of its available minesweepers, as well as provide additional technological solutions for joint security.
Today, four Ukrainian ships are based in the British port of Portsmouth and are technically ready to perform their tasks:
- UNS Chernihiv and UNS Cherkasy: Former British ships HMS Shoreham and HMS Grimsby, transferred to Ukraine in 2023. Due to wartime restrictions of the Montreux Convention, they cannot enter the Black Sea, so they currently remain in British waters.
- UNS Mariupol and UNS Melitopol: Vessels that used to belong to the fleets of Belgium and the Netherlands. They are currently undergoing intensive training with Ukrainian crews.
These four units are considered to be Ukraine's main contribution to the upcoming operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition to minesweepers, Ukraine plans to offer its unique combat experience to the allies. It is about the use of maritime drones and specialized anti-drone systems. Such means will allow to effectively protect trade caravans from asymmetric attacks, which is extremely important for ensuring energy stability and uninterrupted international trade
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the upcoming mission will be "exclusively peaceful and defensive in nature". Its deployment will begin only after the active phase of the confrontation between the United States and Iran is over. In his turn, British Defense Secretary John Healey noted that freedom of navigation is the foundation of the global economy, so consolidating the efforts of partners is critical to minimizing global risks.
Although the formation of the flotilla and the redeployment of ships to the region may take several weeks, Ukraine's participation in such a mission demonstrates its role as an active guarantor of international security even beyond its own region.
Recall that Zelenskyy took part in the 50-country conference on unblocking the Strait of Hormuz.
The President also reported that the Ukrainian military is consulting partners on the security of the Strait of Hormuz functioning.
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