Ukrainian Navy's new flagship vessel could be Hetman Ivan Mazepa corvette

Ukraine's Ambassador to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar gave an exclusive interview to gdh.

Ambassador Bodnar made detailed statements especially regarding the defense relations between Turkey and Ukraine.

In our interview with Ambassador Bodnar, we discussed the maritime dimension of Turkish and Ukrainian defence industry relations in the context of the launching of Ukraine's first ADA class corvette in recent weeks.

The launching ceremony of Hetman Ivan Mazepa, the first ADA Class Corvette of the Ukrainian Navy, was attended by Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Zelensky, and Oleksiy Neizhpapa, Commander of the Ukrainian Navy.

In addition to the launching of Hetman Ivan Mazepa, the first ADA Class Corvette of the Ukrainian Navy, a the steel cutting ceremony was also held for Ukraine's 2nd ADA Class Corvette.

The Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Oleksiy Neizhpapa, noted at the ceremony:

“The Republic of Turkey is proving once again that it is a great friend of Ukraine today.”

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy made the following statement about the ceremony:

“Today, the first corvette of our country, Hetman Ivan Mazepa, built by Turkey, has been launched.There is no reason why our project to build a new fleet for Ukraine should fail. We are implementing all our plans.”

And we ask the Ambassador the following question:

“What can you say about the cooperation of the Ukrainian Navy with the Turkish side in the near future?”

"We have very good opportunities for cooperation in different areas, including shipbuilding,” Ambassador Bodnar said.

“This corvette was ordered before the war. And it wasn't just this ship. I won't state all the numbers, but it was a big project.

Even during the launching ceremony of the Hetman Ivan Mazhepa corvette, the steel cutting ceremony was performed for the second ship. This was even done by the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa.

Future constructions also mean that they will be built in Turkey. We think it will be successful.”

Ambassador Bodnar gives a detail on this point:

“Actually, we don't have such a ship. And this ship can become the flagship of the refurbished Ukrainian Navy. We announced that the headquarters of the new Navy would be Sevastopol.”

We ask the Ambassador again for confirmation: “Sir, will this ship be the new flagship of the Ukrainian Navy?”

“Yes,” he says.

“With a high probability this will be the flagship of the new Ukrainian Navy. It will work for the establishment of stability and security in our region.

It will take part not only in the protection of the coast and territorial waters of Ukraine, but also in international tasks and the protection of international security with other states.

And we hope that the ship Hetman Ivan Mazhepa will visit Turkish ports a lot for friendly visits.”