In a unique plea to the UK government, the MissionUkraine charity has urged officials to redirect boats used by migrants crossing the Channel to assist in Ukraine’s war effort against Russia.
Despite facing initial reluctance from the Government, MissionUkraine has already delivered 15 inflatable dinghies and rigid inflatable boats to Ukrainian soldiers fighting along the Dnipro River since October.
The small boats, initially in poor condition, were driven from the UK to southern Ukraine, where they underwent refurbishment. The makeover included the installation of new engines and a khaki paint job, transforming them into valuable assets for Zelesnky’s troops.
These refurbished boats have proven crucial in sustaining Ukrainian soldiers holding three established bridgeheads on the occupied eastern side of the Dnipro River. They have been instrumental in transporting vital supplies and evacuating wounded soldiers, providing a lifeline in a challenging war zone.
Despite MissionUkraine’s appeal to the UK government to contribute boats used by migrants crossing the Channel, Border Force officials have explained the impracticality of such a request, The Telegraph reports. According to government statements, the majority of migrant boats are unsuitable for reuse due to their poor condition upon arrival. Officials stressed that these boats deteriorate over time and are often destined for recycling.
A government spokesman said: “While committed to supporting Ukraine, we cannot donate unsafe and dangerous small boats which will put more lives at risk.”
However, Alex Kruglyak, one of the leaders of MissionUkraine, countered this argument, asserting that even poor-quality boats could be refurbished to a decent operating standard by marine experts in Ukraine.
Kruglyak emphasised that MissionUkraine would cover all transport and maintenance costs, ensuring that the initiative would not burden the UK government financially.
“All of the boats we deliver go through a boat maintenance procedure, done by marine experts, and all the engines undergo an engine testing and maintenance procedure by experienced professionals. We are not asking for a penny,” Kruglyak assured.
The history of the initiative dates back to June last year when the Kakhovka Dam breach caused widespread flooding, impeding Ukrainian troops’ advance via the Dnipro River. By October, troops began crossing the river using rowing boats to avoid attracting attention from Russian forces. Currently, there are three established bridgeheads on the occupied eastern side of the river, with Ukrainian troops at those secured areas relying on the assistance of small boats.
MissionUkraine has successfully delivered second-hand boats to locations such as Kharkiv, Zaporizha, and Dnipro, from where they are transported to soldiers on the frontlines. Despite the government’s reservations, MissionUkraine remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
