The UK will lead a multinational training to enhance Ukrainian Navy against threats from the East, boosting their ability to combat threats in the Black Sea. Visiting Ukrainian partners in Kyiv, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed that information and announced that the UK will send Royal Navy ships to visit the region later in the Autumn.
In support of that effort, the Ministry of Defence is increasing its support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) by coordinating an international maritime training package that will share the expert knowledge of the Royal Navy and partners from next month.
Courses will be delivered by the Royal Navy and naval personnel from Sweden, Canada and Denmark in areas such as navigation, operational planning, military diving, sea surveillance, fire-fighting and damage control. More nations are expected to join in the near future.
As well as bringing skills, knowledge and expertise to the Ukrainian Navy, the Maritime Training Initiative will empower the Ukrainian Navy to work even more closely alongside international partners in defense of the Black Sea region. This will be in evidence later this year when Royal Navy ships visit the region.