As the war against the Russian forces continues, Ukraine seeks to enhance its naval forces.
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine will be strengthening its fleet with help from Great Britain and the Netherlands.
Zelensky made this statement public after a meeting with defense ministers from both countries and the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs in Odesa, as reported by Europeyska Pravda.
"We will continue to strengthen the Ukrainian fleet together with Great Britain and the Netherlands," Zelensky said in a video message shared on the platform X.
He noted positive developments in their cooperation.
Focus on Air Defense
Zelensky also noted that he had discussions to bolster Ukrainian air defense, calling it an absolute priority.
He expressed gratitude for the support and the willingness of Britain and the Netherlands to continue supplying military aid, particularly regarding the provision of F-16 fighter jets.
Diplomatic Visits
Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp and Defense Minister Rubens Breckelmans made their first foreign visit to Ukraine shortly after taking office. During their visit, they were shown a thermal power plant (TPP) destroyed by shelling.
"The Netherlands is making its contribution by providing F-16 and Patriot systems," Veldkamp said.
Newly appointed British Defense Secretary John Gealy visited Odesa less than 48 hours after his appointment, where he promised to increase support for Ukraine and announced a new military aid package.
