KYIV — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that Ukraine’s recent success in overcoming Russia’s blockade in the Black Sea positions the country to assist in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway, a crucial passage for nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, has faced disruptions due to Iranian retaliation against U.S. and Israeli actions.
“We raised this issue, because it is a painful and urgent one — as we can all see, for the entire world. There is an energy crisis. They know they can rely on our expertise in this area, and we discussed it in detail,”
Zelenskyy stated during a WhatsApp chat with journalists, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He elaborated on how Ukraine’s military has effectively utilized its experience from the Black Sea corridor, where they successfully navigated the challenges posed by Russia.
Offering defense expertise in Hormuz
During his recent visit to the Middle East, where he secured several long-term defense agreements, Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine aims to offer more than just defense equipment. He highlighted the country’s comprehensive defense expertise as a valuable asset for addressing the challenges in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to reopen the strait and has sought support from allies, despite often criticizing their military capabilities. While over 20 nations have shown willingness to assist in U.S.-led efforts, there is a hesitance to engage in military conflict with Iran.
Ukraine’s successful Black Sea strategy
Ukraine’s approach to resolving the Black Sea blockade could provide a viable alternative. In 2023, Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian grain exports led to a global food crisis, but Ukraine countered effectively by diminishing much of the Russian Black Sea fleet and pushing the remaining forces away from its waters.
Despite ongoing threats, including missile and drone strikes on its three ports in the Odesa region, Ukraine is successfully managing to accommodate around 200 cargo ships each month. Andrii Klymenko, the head of the monitoring group on the Black Sea situation, described Ukraine’s defensive system as a ‘tunnel’ designed to protect cargo ships from various threats.
“Ukraine managed to create a complex system of cargo ship protection from all kinds of threats on the sea route from the territorial waters of Romania to the Odesa region,”
Klymenko explained, detailing the integration of air defense, coastal artillery, and other military units in this strategy.
Key to Ukraine’s success have been its marine drones, which have evolved into more than just kamikaze vessels. According to Ihor Fedirko, CEO of Ukraine’s Council of Defence Industry, these drones now serve multiple purposes: carrying weaponry, engaging in aerial combat, and targeting enemy assets.
In addition to military strategies, Ukraine is also focusing on economic measures to facilitate trade. The introduction of the Unity Facility program in November 2023, which subsidizes insurance costs for non-military cargo vessels in the Black Sea, has aimed to keep docking costs manageable for shipping companies.
This combination of military readiness and economic strategies positions Ukraine as a potential key player in ensuring maritime security in the Gulf region. Fedirko concluded,
“Right now, Ukraine has a ready-made ecosystem, fully systemic solution for protecting marine areas and airspace.”