Ukrainian ships may be called upon to assist in clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz — The Times
Four Ukrainian minesweepers, currently moored in the British port of Portsmouth, could be deployed on an international mission to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict in the Middle East has ended.
This is reported by The Times.
Officers of the Ukrainian Navy have officially confirmed their readiness to deploy any of these ships to ensure the safety of navigation.
This was announced ahead of a multinational military planning summit to be held at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) in Northwood.
Military representatives from over 30 countries will participate in the two-day meeting. The main topic of discussion will be the consolidation of military assets to protect merchant ships in the strategically important strait.
The Ukrainian side emphasizes its full readiness to join the operation. The ships currently cannot return to their home ports due to security risks and international legal restrictions in the Black Sea.
“We are ready to offer everything. There are four minesweepers in Portsmouth. They cannot reach Ukraine because, first, they would be the number one target, and second, due to the Montreux Convention,” a source told The Times.
As a reminder, the 1936 convention restricts the passage of military vessels through the Bosphorus Strait during a state of war.
In addition to the direct use of ships, Ukraine is considering options for transferring other technological assets.
Specifically, this involves the use of maritime drones and modern equipment to counter enemy drones, which have extensive experience in actual combat operations.
Two of the available Sandown-class ships were officially transferred to Ukraine by the Royal Navy of Great Britain back in 2023.
However, due to the complex situation in the Black Sea, they are currently forced to remain in British waters for training and alternative missions.
The Strait of Hormuz has once again come to a near standstill
Additionally, the U.S. military struck the vessel Touska, which was attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under the Iranian flag despite the blockade.
Recall that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not consider the war with Iran to be over.
Official Tehran refused to participate in the second round of peace talks with the United States, which were to take place in Islamabad.
Iran rejected Trump’s claims regarding the transfer of uranium to the U.S. and accused him of manipulation.
