UK to transfer two minehunters to Ukraine as it launches maritime support plan

An undated recently taken hand out photograph received on March 28, 2003.shows the Sandown Class Minehunter HMS RAMSEY (M110), sailing from HM Naval Base Portsmouth en-route to the Gulf. REUTERS/Jack Russell/HO MD/jv

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain said on Monday it would transfer two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy, as it sets up a new maritime defence coalition alongside Norway to help strengthen Ukraine's sea operations.

Britain said the two Sandown Class mine countermeasures vessels will enable Ukraine to better counter the threat from Russian sea mines, aiming to restore Ukraine's export routes via the Black Sea.