President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law allowing units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) to be sent to Turkey and the United Kingdom to address restrictions under the Montreux Convention.
According to the Verkhovna Rada’s website, Zelensky signed the document on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
The troops will be deployed to Ukrainian Navy ships currently stationed abroad and unable to return to the Black Sea due to the Montreux Convention.
Under the convention, the passage of warships from warring nations – except those of Turkey – through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits is restricted.
Under the new law, the corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa (Ada-class), which was built in Turkey and is undergoing sea trials, will receive a full-time crew of up to 106 servicemen. Ukrainian personnel have already been training for service on the vessel since March 2024.
The legislation also permits sending personnel to mine-clearing ships in the UK, including:
- Cherkasy (Sandown type), 39 servicemen
- Chernihiv (Sandown type), 39 servicemen
- Mariupol (Alkmaar type), 39 servicemen
- Melitopol (Alkmaar type), 39 servicemen
- Henichesk (Alkmaar type), 39 servicemen
The mine-hunters Cherkasy and Chernihiv were formerly HMS Shoreham and HMS Grimsby of the UK’s Royal Navy; meanwhile, Mariupol and Melitopol were ex-Belgian and Dutch ships (BNS Narcis and Zr.Ms. Vlaardingen) donated to Ukraine and renamed; a third vessel (ex-Zr.Ms. Makkum) is earmarked to become Henichesk.
The explanatory note highlights that the law will support the reception of military equipment from partner countries, ensure proper staffing of units, and provide time for training on complex systems.
The Montreux Convention of 1936 regulates the passage of military and civilian ships through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, sets limits on foreign warship presence in the Black Sea, and grants Turkey authority to maintain security in both peacetime and wartime.