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Netherlands, Belgium gift 2 minehunters to Ukraine. Why are they needed?
The minehunters transferred to Ukraine are the Belgian BNS Narcis and the Dutch Zr.Ms. Vlaardingen, according to the Dutch Defense Ministry. ( Source: Dutch Defense Ministry)
The Dutch Defence Minister has announced that the Netherlands and Belgium would provide Ukraine with two minehunter vessels to help safeguard maritime trade routes.
Ruben Brekelmans said on Thursday (June 26) that Ukrainian crews and technicians had already been provided adequate training 'in record time' for operations.
'The Netherlands and Belgium are transferring two minehunters to Ukraine. A vital contribution to Black Sea security, and key to safeguarding trade routes and global food supply,' Brekelmans was quoted as saying by Kyiv Independent.
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The two vessels have been identified as Belgian ship BNS Narcis and the Dutch Zr.Ms. Vlaardingen. The handover ceremony reportedly took place in Zeebrugge, Belgium but the event was not publicised due to security concerns.
The Dutch minister said the vessels would help Ukraine protect the shipping lanes in the Black Sea and waters near the ports of Odesa region.
'The major ports of Odesa and the Black Sea shipping lanes are the lifeblood of the Ukrainian economy,' Brekelmans said. 'And (they are) under constant threat. Ukraine may not win the war at sea, but it can certainly lose the war there. We simply cannot let that happen. That is why it is so important for maritime security and free passage that Ukraine can use minehunters.'
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022, the Netherlands has provided Kyiv with €8.4 billion ($9.4 billion) in support, while Belgium has contributed over €2 billion ($2.2 billion) in military, financial, and humanitarian aid, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
Ukrainian crews received training in UK
Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian crews had begun training with the Royal Navy in Britain in preparation for a future mission to clear explosives from the Black Sea.
The full-fledged mission to clear the Black Sea is likely to be initiated once a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine is reached and enforced.
Over the last three years, both nations have installed hundreds of mines throughout the Black Sea, mostly to deter coastal attacks. Those explosives now pose a threat to commercial shipping.
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