“A major agreement will soon be signed between the Governments of Ukraine and France, after which the Supreme Council of Ukraine will have to ratify it,” the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs commented.

"The maritime section of the Ukrainian border is by far the most vulnerable, we need more and more capabilities on water. Naval bases and 19 vessels remain in the occupied region of Crimea, and 80% of our existing ships are technically outdated and need constant updating," he added.

The contract value is € 136.5 million. The contruct includes partial financing from loans from both commercial banks and from the Treasury loan of the Ministry of Finance of France. The loan is provided by the state of France. Ukraine will 15% from the budget, while the remaining 85% will be provided by the loan.

Delivery of the vessels are suppossed to start within three years.

Maritime Business World