Dutch Defence Chief Visits Odesa, Pledges Stronger Black Sea Cooperation
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans visited Ukraine’s southern Odesa region, reaffirming the Netherlands’ long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine’s security and maritime defence.
The Gaze reports this, referring to a post by Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper.
During the visit, Brekelmans was briefed by Kiper and Commander of the Ukrainian Navy Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa on the regional security situation, including the consequences of continuous Russian strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure, energy challenges, and preparations for the winter season.
“Together with Vice Admiral Neizhpapa, we informed Minister Brekelmans about the security conditions and the scale of Russian attacks on the region’s energy infrastructure,” Kiper stated on social media. “We are grateful to the Netherlands for standing with Ukraine in this shared struggle for the future. Together we are stronger.”
Brekelmans emphasized that the Netherlands would continue to assist both the Ukrainian Armed Forces and civilians affected by the war.
The visit coincided with the delivery of a Dutch Alkmaar-class minehunter to the Ukrainian Navy – the first of two vessels expected this year.
According to Vice Admiral Neizhpapa, the parties also discussed the security situation in the Black Sea, the importance of technological innovation in modern warfare, and the ongoing cooperation within the Ukrainian Maritime Capabilities Coalition.
“The Netherlands’ support makes our fleet stronger and more effective in countering Russia,” Neizhpapa said, adding that crew training for the newly transferred minehunter is already under way.
The Alkmaar-class minehunter is a modern naval vessel designed to detect and neutralize sea mines using advanced sonar systems and remotely operated underwater vehicles.
Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication technologies, these ships are capable of operating safely even in complex maritime conditions and are used widely across NATO fleets.
As The Gaze previously reported, in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of unmanned technologies.
Following the talks, the defense ministers of the two countries signed a document providing for the launch of joint projects in the field of drone production.