April 2 - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Thursday that Ukraine is prepared to share its practical experience in preserving freedom of navigation in the Black Sea with nations considering ways to keep the Strait of Hormuz open amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha participated in a virtual session focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz that was attended by roughly 40 countries. He framed Ukraine's contribution around the country's operational experience with sea waterways and maritime traffic management.
"Ukraine has relevant expertise concerning sea waterways, concerning the defence and reopening of maritime traffic," the president said. He added that if international partners are prepared to take action, Ukraine will consider how to support them and how to apply its expertise, knowledge and technological potential. Zelenskiy offered no further details on specific measures or timelines.
Ukrainian forces have developed a range of technologies over four years of conflict that include sea drones. According to the president's remarks, those tools have helped Ukrainian forces achieve notable successes against Russian ships in the Black Sea and have prevented Moscow from gaining full control over that waterway. The comments link that operational experience to Kyiv's declared readiness to advise or assist other countries facing maritime-security challenges.
Last week, Zelenskiy began a tour of Middle Eastern countries aimed in part at offering defence technology that Ukraine has refined during its efforts to counter drones. He said many of the drones Kyiv has encountered in recent years were designed in Iran.
On cooperation, Zelenskiy said he expected to receive a progress report on the issue on Friday from Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's chief negotiator in talks aimed at reaching a settlement to the war. He also said that Ukraine is already cooperating with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan, and is in contact with Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. The government team is additionally conducting talks on potential agreements with Turkey and other countries.
While Zelenskiy characterized Ukraine as having relevant maritime-defence skills and technology, he did not provide operational specifics or describe any immediate commitments. The offer, as presented, is conditional on partners indicating readiness and on further internal and external discussions.