Netherlands to transfer two minehunter vessels to Ukraine as part of ongoing support  

The Dutch Defence Ministry has announced plans to transfer two minehunter vessels to Ukraine - Zr.Ms. Makkum and Vlaardingen.

The transfer is part of ongoing support for Ukraine. Some 35 Ukrainian divers recently completed training aboard the Dutch minehunter Zr.Ms. Makkum, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

The training for the future crew lasted over two months and has been successfully concluded. Other NATO allied countries provided instructors and translators as part of the training.

Meanwhile, technical personnel are undergoing training at the Belgian Naval Academy. Together with Belgian and British vessels, these Dutch minehunters represent the beginning of Ukraine's mine countermeasure capabilities.

In late November, Lithuania hosted the ninth meeting of the Demining Coalition for Ukraine, where representatives from 14 countries discussed plans for 2025-2034. As part of the Lithuania-led demining coalition, Ukraine has received 230 pickup trucks and 240 mine detectors.

By Naila Huseynova