- Ukraine expresses interest in acquiring decommissioned British warships to bolster its navy and defend against potential Russian attacks.
- The Royal Navy is facing a shortage of sailors and plans to decommission two warships, which Ukraine hopes to acquire.
- Ukraine’s navy chief emphasizes the need for more ships and weapons to deter Russia from attacking and protect Ukrainian ports. The UK has been a key supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, providing training and advanced weaponry.
Additional Coverage:
- Ukrainian naval commander said his navy would gladly take charge of 2 British warships set to be retired (businessinsider.com)
Ukraine’s navy chief stated that Ukraine would be willing to take two British warships that are reportedly being decommissioned. The reason for this is that Ukraine needs warships in order to defend against potential Russian attacks. Despite having a small navy with no warships, Ukraine has been able to counter Russia’s larger navy.
According to a report in the UK’s Telegraph newspaper, the Royal Navy is facing a shortage of sailors and needs to decommission two warships in order to have enough personnel for its new frigates. The decommissioning of these ships is expected to take place later this year. Vice Adm. Oleksiy Neizhpapa expressed Ukraine’s interest in acquiring these warships, emphasizing the importance of having ships for the navy.
Neizhpapa stated that if the decision to hand over two frigates to the Ukrainian Navy is made, Ukraine would be very happy. He also emphasized the need for more ships and weapons in order to secure a peaceful future for Ukraine. Neizhpapa highlighted the importance of having capabilities to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine and to protect Ukrainian ports.
The UK has been a major supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, providing training and advanced weaponry. The UK has also promised Ukraine two minehunter ships, but there are uncertainties regarding how these ships will reach the Black Sea.
Despite not having a significant navy or warships, Ukraine has targeted Russia’s naval capabilities through various means such as commando raids, missiles, and sea drones. These efforts have resulted in the destruction of numerous Russian warships and vessels, including Russia’s Moskva warship, which became a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience against Russia. Neizhpapa emphasized that the sinking of the Moskva achieved both military and political goals, demonstrating that Moscow can be defeated.
Russia has also used its navy to disrupt Ukrainian trade and launch missile attacks, but Ukraine’s actions have led Russia to move parts of its fleet away from its base in Crimea.