Unit Name: | Dnieper Flotilla |
Native Name: | Річкова флотилія Військово-Морських Сил України |
Dates: | 2022 - present |
Garrison: | Multiple bases along the Dnieper |
Country: | Ukraine |
Type: | Riverine Navy |
Role: | River patrolling |
Battles: | Russo-Ukrainian War |
Current Commander: | Maksym Vasyliovych |
Dnieper Flotilla is a riverine flotilla of the Ukrainian Navy consisting of two divisions and is tasked with patrolling and protecting the Dnieper. It was established in 2022 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine amidst threats of a naval invasion from the north by Belorussian Dnieper fleet. It is in control of several small scale naval bases along the Dnieper.
In March 2022, during the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, faced with a threat of invasion through the Dnieper by the Belorussian river fleet, based at Pinsk and Loev[1] including a total of 19 vessels[2] So the River fleet of the Ukrainian Navy was established, initially from armed civilian ships and then a total of 19 gunboats.[3] The two divisions of the fleet were also given control of multiple bases in multiple cities along the Dnieper.[4]
In September 2022, Sherp transferred a vessel to the regiment names as Sherp the Shuttle.[5] In November 2022, ten new vessels from the United States were incorporated into the fleet.[6]
In 2023, the river fleet which initially consisted only of the 26th River Ships Division tasked with protection of northern Dnieper included a second newly established division the 27th River Ships Division tasked with the protection of Southern Dnieper with the River fleet acting as a coordinating body.[7]
On May 26, 2023, the River Flotilla received Bucha which became the flagship of the 26th division and also that of the fleet.[8]
The fleet consists of two divisions tasked with patrolling northern and southern Dnieper respectively.[9]