The Netherlands and Belgium have handed over two minesweeper ships to Ukraine to strengthen security in the Black Sea.
This was reported by the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
These are the Belgian ship BNS Narcis and the Dutch Zr.Ms. Vlaardingen. The handover ceremony took place earlier in the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, but was announced with a delay for security reasons.
Ukrainian crews and technical specialists underwent training in record time, noted Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
“This is a vital contribution to the security of the Black Sea and key to protecting trade routes and global food supplies,” he noted.
From now on, the ship Zr.Ms Vlaardingen will bear the name of the Ukrainian city of Melitopol. And at the end of 2025, the Zr.Ms. Makkum will be handed over — this ship will be named after the Ukrainian city of Genichesk. Both cities were occupied by the Russian army.
- The Netherlands recently declared a new €175 million aid package for Ukraine, which includes 100 radars to detect drones.
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