Netherlands to Provide Mine Clearance Training to Ukrainian Soldiers
The Netherlands is set to enhance its support for Ukraine by offering training to Ukrainian soldiers in the field of maritime mine detection and disposal. This announcement was made by Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren.
As reported by Euractiv, Ollongren's statement comes in light of recent reports indicating that Russia has expanded its deployment of sea mines in the Black Sea, targeting both Ukrainian grain vessels and civilian as well as military ships.
"Sea mines pose a constant threat to Ukraine, but they also spill into the waters of other nations. We will initiate training for two Ukrainian crews in mine detection vessels," stated Ollongren. She further added that these crews would assist Ukraine in clearing the Black Sea and countering underwater threats to their national shipping.
The delivery of two Dutch mine countermeasure vessels to Ukraine, previously announced in March alongside other military equipment, will be completed once the Dutch marine infantry possesses sufficient backup capabilities. Training for Ukrainian personnel is scheduled to commence next month.
The decision by the Netherlands to provide mine detection training comes at a time when Ukraine is striving to clear the Black Sea of Russian mines, aiming to restore grain exports that are crucial for its economy and funding ongoing military efforts.
Earlier this week, Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov pledged assistance to Ukraine's demining efforts following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov.
In addition to training, discussions during the conference between Ollongren and Reznikov covered various aspects of Dutch military assistance, including the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers in Dutch military hospitals and the recently agreed-upon supply of F-16 fighter jets.
It was recently revealed that the Dutch government has decided to provide around a thousand portable remote-controlled explosive devices, capable of creating passages through engineering obstacles.
The Defense Minister also emphasized that the Netherlands will continue to work towards fulfilling all of Ukraine's needs, particularly in terms of anti-aircraft defense systems, which are critically important for safeguarding the lives of Ukrainians and the nation's infrastructure.