A Ukrainian corvette, the Lutsk, has deployed in support of Operation Active Endeavour, NATO`s maritime counter-terrorist operation in the Mediterranean, from 24 November through to 11 December, according to the NATO web site.
This follows the successful deployment of a first Ukrainian ship, the frigate Ternopil, in summer 2007. A third vessel is expected to participate in the operation next year.
Ukraine also supports Operation Active Endeavour through information exchange.
These contributions underline Ukraine`s commitment to cooperating with the Allies in the fight against terrorism. Ukraine is currently the only Partner to actively support all NATO-led operations.
Integrating forces
The North Atlantic Council — NATO`s principal decision-making body — authorised the Ukrainian ship`s participation, after it had successfully completed a period of "Force Integration Training" with NATO from 15 to 18 November.
An exchange of letters between NATO and Ukraine in April 2005 provides the basis for Ukraine`s support of Operation Active Endeavour. Following this, experts from Allied military commands worked with the Ukrainian Navy Headquarters in Sevastopol to ensure the appropriate training of Ukrainian personnel in NATO standard procedures and communications, and improve interoperability with NATO forces.
Operation Active Endeavour is part of NATO`s maritime contribution to the fight against terrorism. Launched in October 2001, it conducts surveillance and monitoring operations of the major shipping lanes of the Mediterranean.
In 2004, NATO decided to enlist the support of Partner countries, Mediterranean Dialogue countries and other selected nations. Russia has to date deployed two ships in support of the operation and some Mediterranean-rim countries are cooperating by sharing intelligence about suspicious ships operating in their waters.
