The Times: Ukraine weighs deploying minehunters in possible Hormuz op

Ukraine is considering the possible deployment of its minehunters as part of a prospective international mission to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz under British and French leadership, according to The Times, citing sources.

The report says the plan involves four Ukrainian mine countermeasure vessels currently based in Portsmouth. Ukrainian naval officers are expected to take part in a multinational military planning summit and signal readiness to provide the ships for mine-clearing and maritime security operations.

According to the publication, some of the vessels were previously acquired by Ukraine from the United Kingdom to support demining operations in the Black Sea after the end of the conflict. Kyiv is also prepared to offer naval drones and counter-drone capabilities in support of partners.

The Times notes that Ukraine has been actively supporting its allies in the Middle East amid concerns that the U.S. administration could reassess its position on Kyiv and potentially reach an agreement with Russia, which is accused of supporting Iran.

“We are ready to offer everything. There are four minehunters, all in Portsmouth. They can’t go to Ukraine because first of all they would be target number one, and secondly because of the Montreux convention,” a source told the newspaper, referring to the 1936 treaty regulating naval passage through the Bosporus during wartime.

By Jeyhun Aghazada