Neizhpapa: Ukrainian crews of mine countermeasure ships undergo intensive training
28.01.2025 - 17:11
Mine clearance of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea has become one of the areas identified in the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Maritime Security Strategy of Ukraine.
This was reported by the Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa.
According to him, the Navy is actively working to overcome the consequences of the irresponsible and aggressive activities of the Russians in terms of mining water areas.
The priorities are to create conditions for the safe movement of vessels along the sea corridor, to clean the water areas of port infrastructure, maritime communications, the territorial sea with further access to the maritime economic zone.
“Our crews of mine countermeasure ships undergo intensive training with the help of partners both in training centers and on ships of NATO countries and according to their standards. Such training not only increases the professional level of personnel, but also increases our capabilities to conduct joint operations with allies. Special emphasis is placed on the development of modern mine-fighting technologies and the introduction of new standards in work,” the Vice Admiral noted.
Read also: Neizhpapa spoke about the maritime part of the century-old partnership between Ukraine and Britain.
He emphasized that the mine threat not only complicates shipping, but also negatively affects marine ecosystems that need protection and restoration.
“In the future, we will face a big challenge – the complete neutralization of the mine threat in the waters of Ukraine. This will be the basis for restoring shipping safety and improving the ecological state of the Azov and Black Seas,” Oleksiy Neizhpapa concluded.
It must be reminded that at the end of 2025, Ukraine will receive a full division of ships and boats for mine clearance.
Thus, in 2023, Great Britain transferred two mine-fighting ships to Ukraine. In 2025, the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive two more ships from the Netherlands and one from Belgium. In addition, Ukraine will receive three mine-clearing boats.
