Ukraine president hails 'principled' British action against Russia at Portsmouth visit amid mine-hunting op
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Exercise Sea Breeze saw British and Ukrainian personnel stand shoulder to shoulder with each other
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine against Russia during a visit to Portsmouth today.
He was greeted by prime minister Andy Burnham at HMNB Portsmouth today (July 27) aboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Mr Zelenskyy praised the ongoing support for his nation from the UK, especially its armed forces and defence industries.
The Ukrainian president said since Russia’s illegal attack on his country, London and Kyiv had built “the strongest relationship in the entire history of cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom”. He added: “We value that we can always count on Britain’s principled decisions, leadership, and support. Thank you, Britain.”
A Guard of Honour on the jetty next to HMS Queen Elizabeth awaited the two leaders before they climbed aboard the aircraft carrier for their first meeting. Mr Burnham and Mr Zelenskyy were hosted by First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins and the carrier’s Commanding Officer Captain Claire Thompson as they discussed ongoing Anglo-Ukraine support and cooperation.
The First Sea Lord said: “I am delighted that President Zelenskyy had an opportunity to see first-hand the Royal Navy’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom. Through the Maritime Capability Coalition, which we lead with Norway, the UK is playing a vital role rallying support for the Ukrainian Navy, from mine countermeasure capabilities to training Ukrainian Marines through our regional training hub.
“Ukraine’s unwavering courage and determination is an inspiration to the Royal Navy. We stand with them as they defend their people, their waters and the rules-based order we all depend on.”
As part of Operation Interflex, more than 200 sailors have been trained to operate five minehunters over the past three years, ships which have been operating out of Portsmouth. Two former Sandown-class vessels, HMS Grimsby and Shoreham, were donated to Ukraine as part of the mission - known as Chernihiv and Cherkasy, who operated alongside Mariupol, Melitopol and Henichesk.
The five ships have been hard at work operating under Exercise Sea Breeze along the south coast. Originally staged in the Black Sea by the US and Ukrainian Navies before Russia’s illegal invasion, the two-week-long exercise is currently hosted by the UK. It was the largest UK-hosted mine warfare workout in nearly a decade, involving 750 military personnel from 18 nations and ten ships.
The goal was to ensure the Ukrainian Navy’s sailors and minehunters were ready to operate side-by-side with NATO counterparts. These ships cleared a mine-free route stretching more than 85 miles from the south coast to the Isle of Wight.
A total of 17 practice mines were located along the way, with dive teams and remote controlled vehicles using live charges to destroy some of the devices found. Specialist mine-hunting mothership HMS Stirling Castle as put to the test as a hub for the latest technology.
She worked extensively with the new ships. Chernihiv berthed alongside her in the channel to take on fuel-water, and other supplies. Other drills included firefighting, gunnery, and commanding a task group.
Commander Phil Harper, HMS Stirling Castle’s Commanding Officer, said Sea Breeze had been an excellent workout for all participants, with the Ukrainians standing out. He added: “Working with the professional Ukrainian crews and battlestaff has been the highlight of the year so far, and has left a great impression on my team. Slava Ukraini.”