The vessels, now named Chernihiv and Cherkasy, formerly known as HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham, have already made their way to Portsmouth. Here, their crews are undergoing specialized training for upcoming missions in the Black Sea.
Having served the Royal Navy for over two decades, these Sandown-class warships departed from Scotland, arriving at Portsmouth Naval Base to begin the next phase of their service. The focus of their stay in Portsmouth will be on equipping the Ukrainian crews with the necessary skills to conduct mine detection and disarmament operations in the Black Sea.
The transition of these minesweepers to the Ukrainian Navy comes with certain navigational limitations. According to the Montreux Convention, their entry into the Black Sea is restricted due to the ongoing conflict, as the treaty limits wartime passage of military ships through the Bosphorus Strait. Despite these constraints, a British Ministry of Defence spokesperson emphasized the strategic importance of these vessels for Ukraine's coastal defense and the protection of commercial shipping against sea mines.
This gesture underlines the UK's commitment to bolstering the long-term capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy, marking a significant step in international support for Ukraine amidst its maritime security challenges.
