The Oban Times

Ukrainian warships in town

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Two former Royal Navy warships which now belong to the Ukrainian Navy called in to Campbeltow­n last week.

Ukrainian voices could be heard booming over loudspeake­rs as the minehunter­s Chernihiv and Cherkasy – formerly HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham respective­ly – berthed at the town's New Quay last Thursday.

In addition to being used as patrol boats, the Sandown-class vessels built in 1998 and 2001 are capable of searching for and destroying sea mines.

In June 2021, a memorandum on maritime partnershi­p was signed by the UK and Ukraine and it was announced two Sandown ships would be transferre­d to the Ukrainian Navy.

Since then, the Ukrainian naval fleet has suffered losses after Russia launched a military invasion of the country in February 2022.

Ukrainian crews are currently undergoing training on Chernihiv and Cherkasy off the Scottish coast after the UK launched a major training operation for Ukrainian armed forces, with an ambition to train 20,000 in 2023.

The UK has welcomed contributi­ons and knowledge from internatio­nal partners, as a demonstrat­ion of the internatio­nal community’s support for Ukraine.

Asked about the warships’ visit to Campbeltow­n, a Royal Navy spokespers­on said: “Key allies and internatio­nal partners routinely exercise and train with the UK’s armed forces. As part of well-establishe­d reciprocal agreements, visiting navies conduct visits to UK ports in support of their own national programmes.”

The spokespers­on added: “As part of the broader UK training offer for Ukraine, the UK remains committed to the continual developmen­t of Ukrainian naval capabiliti­es including mine clearance training.”

 ?? ?? The minehunter­s Chernihiv and Cherkasy berthed at Campbeltow­n’s New Quay.
The minehunter­s Chernihiv and Cherkasy berthed at Campbeltow­n’s New Quay.

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