Ukraine Eyes Expanded Naval Capability With Western Help
The commander of Ukraine’s Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, stated that Kyiv anticipates receiving warships for the fleet from Western partners. He conveyed this expectation in an interview with the ArmyInform portal, outlining a clear path toward bolstering the navy through international cooperation.
Neizhpapa emphasized the role of Western partners in delivering modern vessels and stressed that ship construction remains a lengthy process. The Ukrainian leadership is aiming to supplement the fleet with frontline-capable ships that combine robust power with enduring service life, allowing for extended use over a decade to a decade and a half at high technical readiness levels.
According to the commander, the introduction of such ships would permit Ukraine to move beyond a coast-bound identity and shift toward a maritime posture—becoming a nation with an active and credible sea presence. This vision hinges on strategic investments in platform versatility, endurance, and upgrades that keep pace with evolving naval technologies.
Kyiv also underscored the need for Western support in supplying ship platforms, expanding naval capacity, and completing essential equipment. The coordinated effort would enable the Ukrainian Navy to achieve a more sustainable and capable force structure, aligned with broader regional security objectives and maritime operations in the Black Sea and adjacent waters.
In related developments, former U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken suggested that Ukraine will soon have the resources required to prevail in offensive operations, contingent on the continued allocation of U.S. military aid. This sentiment underscores a broader, sustained international commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Previously, NATO statements also touched on Ukrainian plans, reinforcing the alliance’s interest in supporting Kyiv’s naval modernization efforts. ”