Mine sweepers, boats, drones: how the 'maritime' coalition supports Ukraine.

A 'maritime' coalition has been created to support Ukraine at sea and rivers

The Ministry of Defense reports that in December 2023, a 'maritime' coalition was formed as part of the Contact Group for assistance to Ukraine. The main task of the coalition is to meet Ukraine's essential needs and ensure security at sea.

Control over the Black and Azov Seas is crucial for Ukraine's security and economy. It is also important to control rivers that serve as logistical routes and natural borders between countries.

'That is why, in December 2023, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Ukraine initiated the creation of a Maritime Capability Coalition. Its main tasks are to ensure urgent needs and long-term development of the relevant capabilities of Ukraine, to ensure the freedom and safety of civilian navigation, and to deter and repel any aggression from the sea direction,' the Ministry of Defense said.

The 'maritime' coalition includes 18 countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, the USA, France, Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Romania, and Turkey.

Finland, Iceland, and Canada are also contributing to the development of Ukraine's maritime capabilities but are not yet part of the Coalition. Australia and Japan are considering joining it.

The Coalition provides various assistance to Ukraine, such as ships, weapons, surveillance, and personnel training. For example, the Netherlands and Belgium transferred 3 mine countermeasure vessels of the Alkmaar class to Ukraine, the United Kingdom provided 2 mine countermeasure vessels, and the USA, Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, and Finland supplied boats of various classifications and purposes.

The Coalition uses a comprehensive approach to the preparation and formation of capabilities. It ensures the supply of resources and training of personnel for the effective functioning of systems. A marine training center for training marines of the Naval Forces of Ukraine has also been established in Romania.

At a meeting of the Coalition Capability Leaders Group within the framework of the Contact Group for Defense Issues, roadmaps for all coalitions were agreed upon. In total, eight capability coalitions have been formed within the work of the Contact Group.