July 11, 2025, 6:13 p.m.
Representatives from 22 countries, including NATO members and partners, joined the maritime phase of the international exercise. Ukrainian warships, along with their allies, practiced mine countermeasures and cooperation in accordance with NATO standards.
This was reported in a video by the Breeze TV and Radio Studio of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The second phase of the Sea Breeze 2025 international exercises has officially started in the British port of Portland. This year, representatives from 22 countries, including NATO members and partner countries, joined the maritime component of the exercise.
PHOTO: Ukrainian Navy
The key theme of the exercise traditionally remains the same - mine countermeasures. Four Ukrainian ships, including the new additions to the Ukrainian Navy's fleet, the Mariupol and Melitopol, took to the sea. They were joined by vessels from the NATO Standing Mine Countermeasures Group.
The main goal of the exercise is to prepare units to operate in conditions as close to combat as possible and to ensure effective cooperation in multinational operations. Particular attention is focused on assessing the compatibility of the Ukrainian Navy with NATO standards.
PHOTO: Ukrainian Navy
During the second day of the training, Ukrainian sailors successfully practiced elements of towing, maneuvering and transferring cargo at sea. The team acted in a coordinated manner and demonstrated a high level of training.
The Ukrainian Navy units are also actively involved, working with international partners to prepare autonomous underwater vehicles and survey certain areas of the sea. Sea Breeze 2025 is the next stage in deepening defense cooperation between Ukraine and NATO countries.
PHOTO: Ukrainian Navy
Despite the full-scale war, NATO militaries regularly conduct exercises in the Black Sea. Last year, large-scale multinational maneuvers Sea Shield 24 were launched in Romanian territorial waters, involving 2,200 troops and 135 pieces of equipment, including 27 river and sea vessels, 17 aircraft, and 91 vehicles and boats.
Recently, Canada has announced its readiness to provide Ukraine with naval assistance for the demining of the Black Sea. This was announced by a representative of the Canadian delegation during the Black Sea Security Forum, the largest geopolitical event in southern Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. More than 500 representatives from more than 20 countries took part in the forum to discuss current threats to the Black Sea region's security, economic resilience and political stability.
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Анна Бальчінос