The press service of the Dutch Defense Ministry reported the information.The transfer occurred earlier at a ceremony at the Belgian naval base in Zeebrugge but was only announced now due to operational security reasons.Nederland en België dragen 2 mijnenjagers over aan Oekraïne. Zeer belangrijk voor Oekraïne vanwege veiligheid op de Zwarte Zee, en ook breder voor handelsroutes en voedselzekerheid. In korte tijd zijn de Oekraïne bemanning en technici opgeleid. Trots op deze prestatie! ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/MaM7lCsywW— Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) June 26, 2025 The ship Zr. Ms. Vlaardingen will now bear the name of the Ukrainian city Melitopol. At the end of 2025, the ship Zr. Ms. Makkum will also be transferred and named after the Ukrainian city Henichesk. Both of these cities are currently illegally occupied by the Russian aggressor.This transfer is the result of close cooperation between Ukraine, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Even before the official handover of the first two ships, the new Ukrainian crews underwent intensive training, assisted by Belgian and Dutch instructors, technicians, and support teams."The major ports of Odesa and the sea routes in the Black Sea are the lifeline of Ukraine’s economy. And this lifeline is constantly under threat. Ukraine may not win the war at sea, but it can definitely lose it there. And we simply cannot allow that. That is why it is so important for maritime security and freedom of navigation that Ukraine is able to use these minehunters," commented Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.On June 24, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth €175 million, including radars and 20 CASEVAC vehicles.