Zelensky says the Netherlands will train Ukrainian sailors and deliver a mine countermeasures ship in June, boosting Ukraine’s naval capabilities.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the training of a Ukrainian crew and the upcoming transfer of a mine countermeasures ship from the Netherlands.
In a Telegram post, he said he met with Ukrainian servicemen currently undergoing training on an Alkmaar-class mine countermeasures vessel in the Netherlands.
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According to Zelensky, he and Prime Minister Rob Jetten discussed the progress of the training and future plans together with the servicemen.
Zelensky noted that the Netherlands will fully train the crew and transfer the ship to Ukraine in June.
“It will be named ‘Henichesk’ – in honor of our ship that was lost while carrying out a combat mission in June 2022 near the Kinburn Spit,” the statement said.
According to the president, this will be the fifth vessel in Ukraine’s future mine countermeasures fleet and the second provided by the Netherlands.
He emphasized the importance of such support for strengthening Ukraine’s maritime capabilities.
Zelensky also expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for its continued assistance, noting that Ukraine highly values the support of the Dutch people.
He added that he presented awards to the Chief of Defense of the Netherlands, Onno Eichelsheim, as well as to Ukrainian servicemen, thanking them for their cooperation and the meeting.
On Thursday, Zelensky and Jetten signed a joint declaration to launch a Ukraine-Netherlands Drone Deal.
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The initiative covers joint development and production of drones, missiles, electronic warfare systems, and other defense technologies. It also includes coordinated investment in defense infrastructure, as well as research and innovation.
Earlier, the Netherlands announced a €248 million ($292 million) investment in drone production for Ukraine, with manufacturing planned in both countries. The agreement is part of Kyiv’s broader effort to turn battlefield drone expertise gained during the war into long-term industrial partnerships.
Earlier this week, Ukraine and Norway also announced plans to produce Ukrainian drones on Norwegian territory following talks between Zelensky and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
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