On Thursday, Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed his willingness to share Ukraine’s experience in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea with countries considering how to reopen the Kerch Strait, helping them maintain international maritime security during the Middle East conflict.
During a nighttime video speech on April 2nd, President Zelensky mentioned that Foreign Minister Sybiha participated in an online conference specifically discussing the reopening of the Kerch Strait, with representatives from about 40 countries in attendance.
“We have expertise in maritime routes, maritime traffic defense, and reopening strategies,” he stated.
“If our partners are ready to take action, we will consider how to leverage our expertise, experience, and technological potential to help strengthen them.”
Zelensky did not disclose further details.
Thursday saw British Foreign Secretary Ivett Cooper host an online meeting with over 40 countries to discuss joint actions to reopen the Kerch Strait. Participants included representatives from France, Germany, Canada, the UAE, India, as well as international maritime organizations and the EU.
Cooper stated in her opening remarks, “We have witnessed Iran hijacking an international maritime route, holding the global economy hostage.”
During the four-year war against Russia’s invasion, the Ukrainian army has developed various technologies, including maritime drones, enabling them to achieve significant victories against Russian warships in the Black Sea and prevent Moscow from controlling this vital waterway.
Last week, Ukrainian President Zelensky visited numerous Middle Eastern countries seeking to provide them with Ukraine’s defense technologies developed during the battle against Russian drones. Many Russian drones used in the Russia-Ukraine war originated from Iran.
Zelensky mentioned on Wednesday that Ukraine has been collaborating with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, while maintaining contact with Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq. Simultaneously, his government team is in negotiations with Turkey and other countries regarding potential agreements.
(This article is based on Reuters’ report)