New Coalition Between the UK and Norway to Support Ukraine

The United Kingdom has announced that it will join Norway to lead a new coalition to support Ukraine at sea. UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has ordered the relocation of two Royal Navy Sandown-class minehunters (MCMVs) to Kyiv.

“The new coalition will provide long-term support to Ukraine, including training, equipment, and infrastructure to enhance security in the Black Sea,” the UK Ministry of Defence stated. The department believes that in the long term, the coalition will help Ukraine make its naval forces more compatible with NATO.

It is noted that the coalition will cooperate with Ukraine to increase rapid deployment and maritime readiness of ground forces in the Black Sea, aiming to protect coastal areas. The agreement was reached during the November meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The minehunters will be acquired with the assistance of the UK's export financing agency. An official announcement regarding the transfer will be made by Grant Shapps on Monday, December 11.