UK to supply Ukraine with subsea minehunter drones

Ukraine is to be equipped with undersea minehunter drones in order to help the country clear its coastline amid the ongoing war with Russia in the Black Sea.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) made the announcement in a statement on Aug. 27 and also noted that Ukrainian personnel would be trained in the use of the minehunters, Newsweek reports.

The news comes as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has entered its sixth month and President Vladimir Putin's forces have suffered a series of setbacks in the Black Sea, including losing control of the strategically important Snake Island in June.

"Six autonomous minehunting vehicles will be sent to the country [Ukraine] to help detect Russian mines in the waters off its coast," the British defence ministry said on Aug. 27. "Three of these will be provided from U.K. stocks, with a further three to be purchased from the industry."