The Netherlands, Belgium hand Ukraine two minesweepers

Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans reported this via X, Ukrinform reports.

"The Netherlands and Belgium are transferring two minehunters to Ukraine. A vital contribution to Black Sea security, and key to safeguarding trade routes and global food supply," the post says.

According to Brekelmans, Ukrainian crews and technicians were trained “in record time”.

"A truly remarkable achievement," the head of the Dutch Ministry of Defense added.

As noted on the website of the Dutch defense ministry, this is about the Belgian ship BNS Narcis and the Dutch Zr.Ms. Vlaardingen.

The handover ceremony took place earlier in Zeebrugge, Belgium, while the official announcement came later for security reasons.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on June 24, the Dutch government announced a new aid package to Ukraine worth about EUR 175 million.

The Netherlands also signed off contracts for the production of 600,000 drones for Ukraine as part of the Drone Line initiative.

Photo: Ruben Brekelmans / X / www.defensie.nl