Overview
- Zelensky, during a Thursday visit to the Netherlands, said the country will train a Ukrainian crew and hand over an Alkmaar-class minehunter in June named Henichesk.
- Ukrainian sailors are training in Vlissingen on underwater drones that find, identify, and neutralize naval mines, and many of them have combat experience.
- The incoming ship will be the fifth mine countermeasure vessel pledged to Ukraine after Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Mariupol, and Melitopol from the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
- All five vessels will be based in the United Kingdom for now and will clear mined waters after the war, with plans for future participation in Sea Breeze exercises in 2027.
- During the visit, Zelensky met King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Rob Jetten and presented awards to Dutch Chief of Defence Onno Eichelsheim and Ukrainian defenders.