Parliament ratified Ukrainian-British agreement on development of Ukrainian Navy capabilities

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine ratified a framework agreement between the Ukrainian Government and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on assisting the development of capabilities of the Ukrainian Naval Forces. The decision will allow the implantation of the state’s investment projects of procurement from the British purveyors in 2022-2023, and the joint production with a total amount of 1.7 billion pounds.

The decision was supported by 275 deputies.

‘We are building up our Navy considering modern and perspective approaches, perspective conceptions and technologies. In this context, the Verkhovna Rada’s ratification of the framework agreement between the Ukrainian Government and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is of great importance. Basically, it is a start of our joint projects on the development of capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy, and, no less important, a protection of economic interests of our country by free navigation,’ stated Deputy Minister of Defence Oleksandr Polishchuk.

According to Oleksandr Polishchuk, the ratified document is aimed at realisation of refurbishment of the Ukrainian Navy that will allow effectively carrying out task of protecting the national interest and guaranteeing security in the waters of the Black and Azov seas during the Russian aggression on the East of Ukraine.

In particular, it concerns two mine countermeasures ships, eight guided-missile boats, and also advisory and technical support in building naval infrastructure of the Ukrainian Navy and the delivery and modernization of the weapon systems on the modern vessels.

‘The security situation in the region of Black and Azov seas remains tense strained due to the actions of the Russian Federation which constantly closes the sea region and blocks navigation. Strengthening of our Naval Forces, with the support of the national military defence complex and the international partners, allows increasing stimulating potential and Ukraine’s influence at see. Land weapons systems, UAVs, vessels and bout form a single defence system which can give a decent rebuff to the enemy from the sea,’ said Oleksandr Polishchuk.