Ukrainian minehunters training in Britain for de-mining operations in the Black Sea

Two Ukrainian warships have arrived in Portsmouth to complete mine warfare training with the Royal Navy.

The vessels were recently donated by Belgium and the Netherlands, and Portsmouth will be their home for the coming months while they carry out mine countermeasures training in and around UK waters.

The aim is to prepare the Ukrainian navy for de-mining the Black Sea, once the war with Russia is over.

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Mines are an ever-present threat in the Black Sea, and an area of around 800 square miles will need clearing once the minehunters are able to sail there to start the long task of making the waters safe again.