Zelensky signs law authorizing deployment of Ukrainian Naval Forces to Türkiye and the UK

Kyiv, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law permitting the deployment of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to the territories of foreign partner countries, specifically the Republic of Türkiye and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

According to the document, Ukraine will send a corvette of the Naval Forces, “Hetman Ivan Mazepa” (type “Ada”), to Turkey. The vessel will operate with a full-time crew of up to 106 servicemen.

Additionally, the law authorizes the deployment of Ukrainian mine-clearing ships to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. These vessels include:

• Mine-clearing ship “Cherkasy” (Sandown type) — crew of up to 39 servicemen;

• Mine-clearing ship “Chernihiv” (Sandown type) — crew of up to 39 servicemen;

• Mine-clearing ship “Mariupol” (Alkmaar type) — crew of up to 39 servicemen;

• Mine-clearing ship “Melitopol” (Alkmaar type) — crew of up to 39 servicemen;

• Mine-clearing ship “Henichesk” (Alkmaar type) — crew of up to 39 servicemen.

The decision formalizes Ukraine’s participation in international naval cooperation and training missions alongside its NATO partners.

The “Hetman Ivan Mazepa”, built in Turkey as part of bilateral defense cooperation, is Ukraine’s first Ada-class corvette and represents a significant modernization of the country’s naval capabilities. The mine-clearing vessels, based in the UK, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to secure its maritime routes and prepare for future operations in the Black Sea.

This legislative move underscores Kyiv’s commitment to deepening defense ties with Western allies amid continuing security challenges in the region.