InThe Verkhovna Rada approved a $2.2 billion loan to the UK for the construction of missile boats. The agreement provides for the supply of two mine-fighting ships and their maintenance, as well as the construction of eight missile boats and a frigate
The Verkhovna Rada has ratified a loan agreement between Ukraine and the UK in the amount of 1.7 billion ($2.2 billion), according to the website of the Ukrainian parliament. It was signed in November last year.
The money is planned to be directed to the development of the Naval Forces of Ukraine. In particular, we are talking about the supply of two mine-fighting ships and their maintenance, the construction of eight missile boats and a frigate, the supply and installation of weapons systems on existing ships, as well as consulting and technical support for the construction of naval infrastructure.
In October last year, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, Vadim Prystaiko, announced that London would soon supply Ukraine with two ships that would immediately become part of the Ukrainian Navy. He clarified that we are talking about minesweepers that destroy underwater mines. Kiev will also receive missile weapons that will help the country “strengthen its capabilities at sea”. In addition, the kingdom will help Ukraine build two naval bases according to NATO standards: one on the Black Sea, the other on the Azov.
In December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the UK would allocate $1 billion in aid to Kiev. According to the head of state, the total amount of British aid has increased to 3.5 billion.
In January, amid reports of Russia’s impending invasion of Ukraine, the European Union decided to provide Ukraine with $1.2 billion. The United States will also provide military assistance for $ 200 million.
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