Ukraine Unable to Deploy Two Warships Sold by Britain in War Against Russia

Ukraine will be unable to deploy two minehunter ships it purchased from the U.K. in its conflict against Russia due to restrictions outlined in the Montreux Convention, which limit the passage of military vessels through the Bosporus Strait during wartime.

The ships, now named Cherkasy and Chernihiv, intended for deployment in the Black Sea where Ukraine's ports are situated, must traverse the Bosporus Strait to reach this area. Currently, they are participating in multinational naval exercises in the U.K.

According to an official release from the U.K. defense ministry, "The ships are currently unable to enter the Black Sea due to the terms of the Montreux Convention, which restrict the passage of military vessels through the Bosporus Strait during wartime. However, they will provide a critical capability for Ukraine's future coastal defense as the U.K. seeks to support the Ukrainian Navy's long-term capabilities, particularly in protecting commercial shipping by detecting and neutralizing sea mines."

Having sailed from their former base in Scotland, the two ships and their crew are preparing for their initial operational exercises since their transfer to the Ukrainian Navy was completed.

The transfer of these vessels to Ukraine's Navy coincided with the launch of the Maritime Capability Coalition, which the U.K. jointly leads with Norway, to provide support to Ukraine's navy—including training, equipment, and infrastructure—to enhance security in the Black Sea region.

Since the conflict's onset, Ukraine has reportedly neutralized or disabled approximately a third of Russia's Black Sea Fleet through precision-guided missile strikes and use of maritime one-way attack drones. With support from the U.K., Ukrainian maritime operations in the Black Sea have enabled significant grain exports from its seaports in the initial months of 2024, despite ongoing Russian strikes in Odesa oblast.

Both ships will now be relocated to Portsmouth, where they will be readied to participate in Exercise Sea Breeze 24, a joint countermeasure exercise involving the Royal Navy, U.S. Navy, and Ukrainian Navy. This exercise aims to enhance Ukraine's navy's ability to collaborate with NATO nations, increase agility among NATO navies, and underscore the shared commitment of the U.K. and its allies to security and stability.

The transfer of the ships, formerly named Shoreham and Grimsby, commenced last year—with both vessels participating in Exercise Joint Warrior 23 and Exercise Sea Breeze 23 in U.K. waters. Their transfer earlier this year was facilitated by a buyer credit facility guarantee provided by the U.K. government's export credit agency, U.K. Export Finance.