LONDON, Nov 21 – The U.K. will send an unspecified number of British forces to Ukraine to train Ukrainian special forces and marines early next year, adding to the 100 personnel currently in the country.

The U.K. will also deploy the HMS Echo, a hydrographic survey ship, to the Black Sea region, complete with its crew of 72, the Ministry of Defense reported.

The ship’s presence in the region is designed to “demonstrate the UK’s support to ensuring freedom of navigation,” the ministry said.

The deployment comes as tensions rise between Kyiv and Moscow as Russian naval forces, which vastly outnumber the Ukrainian forces, are harassing commercial ships in the Sea of Azov.

Gavin Williamson, the Secretary of Defense, made the deployment announcement following a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak in London.

“As long as Ukraine faces Russian hostilities, it will find a steadfast partner in the United Kingdom,” Williamson said. “By continuing to work together, whether through training programs or military exercises, we help Ukraine to stand up for our shared values.”

Williamson, who visited Ukraine in September and even traveled to the eastern regions see first-hand the effects of the ongoing military conflict, re-assured his support for Ukraine.

“Those values of freedom and democracy cannot be traded,” Williamson said. “I have witnessed on the frontline the effects of the conflict in the East and this has completely reinforced my support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”

The UK is extending its military training program, delivered through Operation Orbital, until 2020.

Poltorak praised the U.K for support.

“The United Kingdom is a valued partner that has supported Ukraine’s Armed Forces for the last four years in the face of Russian aggression,” Poltorak said. “As we fight to defend our territory, the offer of extended support from the UK Armed Forces is vitally important and gratefully received.”

In January and February 2019, U.K training teams – made up of personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Army – will deploy to Ukraine as part of the extension to the UK’s military training operation, Williamson said.

The UK and Ukrainian Armed Forces will gain another opportunity to develop capability and share expertise when UK contributes to the US-Ukrainian led Exercise Sea Breeze next year.

Since the start of 2015, British personnel have trained over 9,500 of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. (tl/ez)