**Nato Allies Unite to Support Ukraine’s Maritime Capabilities**
The Royal Navy and its Nato allies have been showcasing their commitment to supporting Ukraine by demonstrating their maritime capabilities in Exercise Sea Breeze 2025. The exercise, which took place off the coast of Portland in Dorset on Monday, featured ships from the UK, US, France, Belgium, Greece, Poland, and the Netherlands.
**Training Together for a Common Goal**
Royal Navy Commodore Steve Banfield emphasized that “the only way that navies can work together is by training together.” This sentiment highlights the importance of cooperation and coordination among naval forces in achieving common goals. As co-leader of the maritime capability coalition for Ukraine, Cdre Banfield stressed that giving Ukrainian forces access to modern vessels, such as those used for clearing mines in areas like the Black Sea, will enable them to clear seas in a post-war world and keep shipping lanes open.
**Ukrainian Forces Receive Training on Modern Vessels**
As part of the exercise, Ukrainian forces were trained to use modern vessels for clearing mines. This training is particularly vital given the significant mining by both Russia and Ukraine during their conflict. Cdre Banfield noted that this will enable Ukrainian forces to clear seas in a post-war world and help keep ships safe at sea. Additionally, keeping shipping lanes open is crucial, as Ukraine is a significant global supplier of agricultural goods.
**Lessons Learned from Ukraine**
Commodore Dmytro Kovalenko, chief of the training command of the Ukrainian Navy, reflected on the day’s exercises. He acknowledged that there is much that Nato forces can learn from Ukraine. In particular, he noted that training in safe waters off the coast of the UK is very different from the environment that the Ukrainian Navy operates in. Cdre Kovalenko emphasized that his country faces daily threats from unmanned systems and highlighted the need to protect ships and port infrastructure against these threats.
**Ukraine Struggles for Survival**
Cdre Kovalenko’s comments also served as a sobering reminder of the situation on the ground in Ukraine. He described the threat faced by his country as relentless, with no restrictions or bounds set by an adversary who sees the whole nation as a target. This stark reality underscores the gravity of the conflict and the importance of continued support from international partners.
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