Netherlands to deliver mine countermeasures vessels to Ukraine

The Netherlands has announced its intention to transfer two mine countermeasures vessels to Ukraine, the Zr.Ms. Makkum and the Vlaardingen.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the press service of the Dutch Ministry of Defence

Details: The ministry noted that 35 Ukrainians had recently completed training on board the Dutch Zr.Ms. Makkum vessel.

The training of the future crew lasted more than two months and has now been completed.

Other NATO Allies provided instructors and interpreters as part of the training.

Technical personnel are also being trained at the Belgian Navy Academy.

The Ministry of Defence said that together with Belgian and UK ships, these Dutch "mine hunters" form the beginning of Ukraine's mine action capability.

Background:

• The ninth meeting of the Demining Capability Coalition for Ukraine took place in Lithuania in late November. Participants from 14 countries discussed plans for 2025-2034.
• It was also reported that Ukraine received 230 pick-up trucks and 240 mine detectors as part of the Lithuanian-led demining coalition.

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