In 2025, the Netherlands will provide Ukraine with two mine-searching ships, RTL Nieuws has reported, quoting Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren as saying during her visit to Odesa.
Minesweepers are needed to detect and neutralize explosives, as well as to ensure the safety of trade routes. The Netherlands will organize training for the Ukrainian military to enable them to operate these ships.
Initially, the country had 15 Alkmaar-class minesweepers, which are due to be replaced in 2025. Most of the vessels have now been sold, with only five remaining, two of which will be transferred to our country.
In addition, the Netherlands will provide Ukraine with an amphibious bridge fighting vehicle, which can be used to set up temporary crossings, as well as a radar system to detect drones.
In a tweet, Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov expressed his gratitude to his Dutch counterpart for the assistance.
Ukraine is a maritime state.
We will defend our Black&Azov Seas as we do our land and skies.
I'm very grateful to the 🇳🇱 people, @MinPres Mark Rutte and my colleague @DefensieMin Kajsa Ollongren for the decision to provide 2 Alkmaar-class minehunters for the @UA_NAVY!
🇺🇦🤝🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/NSSpUqaUTD