Ukraine is reportedly planning to send four minesweepers, currently stationed in the UK, to assist Iran in clearing mines and ensuring the safety of international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a report from The Times of London, it was mentioned on Tuesday that Ukrainian naval officers would participate in a summit scheduled for Wednesday at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) located in northwest London. This gathering aims to involve representatives from approximately 30 countries to discuss strategies for protecting civilian shipping against Iranian attacks in the vital Strait of Hormuz.
However, it’s noted that this mission will only commence once hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran cease, which renders the summit discussions somewhat futile for the immediate future. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the proposed deployment would be “strictly peaceful and defensive.”
The Ukrainian delegation expressed readiness to contribute one of its four minesweepers for the mission. These vessels are currently docked in Portsmouth, the Royal Navy’s base. Two of the ships are of the UK’s Sundown-class, while the other two are Alkmaar-class vessels donated by Belgium and the Netherlands.
Recently, a fifth Alkmaar-class ship was transferred to Ukrainian control ahead of schedule, named after a ship sunk by Russian forces in 2022.
These minesweepers are constructed using non-magnetic materials like fiberglass, which helps them avoid detection by magnetic mines. They are equipped with sonar systems and underwater drones that can identify and neutralize mines beneath the surface.
A Ukrainian military official noted, “We are prepared to offer everything. There are four minehunters, all located in Portsmouth, but they can’t reach Ukraine for various reasons, including being prime targets and issues related to the Montreux Convention.”
The Montreux Convention, established in 1936, grants Turkey the authority to restrict maritime traffic in the Bosphorus and Dardanelles during wartime, effectively giving Turkey a say over naval movements between the Black Sea and Mediterranean. Ukraine had requested this convention, which allowed exceptions for Russian ships returning to their ports while limiting Ukrainian naval movements in the Black Sea.
One of the ships provided to Ukraine by the UK, previously known as HMS Shoreham and now renamed UNS Cherkasy, was deployed in the Middle East from 2018 to 2021, featuring a sonar array designed for detecting deep-water mines.
Ukrainian officials seem to be aware of President Donald Trump’s stances and have expressed concerns about his possible dealings with Iran. As Iran continues to pose threats to European maritime interests, Ukrainians worry that allies may not take sufficient action.
Moreover, Ukraine is eager to leverage its expertise in drone technology and anti-drone tactics to support friendly nations. In a recent television interview, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy mentioned that Ukraine’s maritime drones could be beneficial for protecting convoys in the Strait of Hormuz, citing a drone agreement with Gulf Arab countries recently targeted by Iranian attacks.
During a recent inspection of the fifth minesweeper, President Zelenskiy expressed optimism that all five would be operational by summer, stating, “We are thankful to our partners for their support. This is a significant area for us, and we can also contribute.”
