The main phase of the Black Sea mine clearance operation will last 3-5 years, - Pletenchuk

A mine-clearing division, an operation headquarters have already been created, and the operation itself has been developed. The main phase of the Black Sea mine-clearing operation may last from three to five years.

This was stated by the spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk, during a telethon.

"A mine-clearing division has been created, an operation headquarters has been created, and the operation itself has been developed. The operation headquarters trained on Siveriz in the conditions that were available. As of now, we have at least five mine-clearing ships that will be involved in this work in the future," Pletenchuk said.

The spokesman noted that the demining of the Black Sea is not only a problem for Ukraine, but also for Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Therefore, in this process, Ukraine hopes for the support of the above-mentioned countries.

"It would be nice if they also joined the operation, because there is quite a lot of work there. If other countries that are interested in this unique experience and are ready to help us join this format, we will be happy to cooperate with everyone who offers their help," Pletenchuk said.

He also said that the active phase of the operation will include demining communication routes, anchorages and will last several months. At the same time, the main phase may take from three to five years.

"Unfortunately, even after this, the work will not be completed. Our sappers are still finding mines from the Second World War. Just recently, military sailors neutralized six such mines. Every time during a storm, this is a new challenge, because mines can move," Pletenchuk added.