Belgium announces a new “package” of defence aid to Ukraine, including 300 Lynx LMV 4X4 armoured vehicles, thousands of artillery shells and minesweepers. The Tripartite minesweepers (Alkmaar class) that will be granted consist of a new problem: the delivery. Belgium and the Netherlands will train the crews in cooperation with the Belgian Navy. The delivery of the minesweepers is estimated for 2025, as they cannot pass the Bosphorus Straits at the moment, as Turkiye implemented Article 19 of the Montreux Convention, which closes the straits to foreign countries’ warships. Most recently, the U.K. granted two minesweepers to Ukraine. Turkiye has not granted permission to cross the straits. This stance received a “NATO supports Ukraine, but NATO ally Turkiye creates obstacles” reaction from some countries. However, the Turkish position on the convention implementation received Ukraine’s and NATO’s support.
Belgium Sends 3 Minesweepers to Kyiv, but Lessons Learned
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