The Ukrainian Navy is ready to assist in clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz

During the Sea Breeze 2026 international exercises, the Mine Countermeasures Headquarters of the 1st Mine Countermeasures Division of the Ukrainian Navy underwent a Level 2 assessment according to Alliance standards (NEL-2) and achieved the highest status — “Fully Mission Capable.” 

This is the first time in history that Ukrainian naval personnel have been authorized to command multinational NATO forces and participate in international mine countermeasures operations.

According to Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, Ukrainian units have the necessary training and are ready to participate in the clearance of critical international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. The political decision regarding the involvement of Ukrainian command staff or crews rests with the state leadership; however, Ukraine’s top priority remains leveraging the experience gained and partner support for large-scale mine clearance in the Black and Azov Seas.

Source: Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, speaking on Ukrainian Radio.

During a visit to the Portsmouth naval base on July 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, boarded the Ukrainian mine countermeasures vessel “Cherkasy.” In addition to the “Cherkasy,” the ships “Melitopol,” “Mariupol,” “Henichesk,” and “Chernihiv” are also in Portsmouth.

Earlier, new oil slicks were detected in the Sea of Azov following attacks on Russia’s shadow fleet.