Zelenskyy Offers Ukraine's Naval Drone Expertise to Secure the Strait of Hormuz

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stepped onto the global maritime security stage, offering Ukraine's proven naval defense capabilities to countries working to safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking during his nightly video address, Zelenskyy announced that Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha joined a high-level virtual conference on restoring access to the strategically critical waterway, with approximately 40 nations in attendance.

Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine is prepared to share its battlefield-tested maritime knowledge with international partners ready to take action. The offer reflects years of hard-won experience defending sea routes against one of the world's most powerful naval forces. Since Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian engineers and military strategists have developed cutting-edge sea drone technology that has repeatedly disrupted Russian naval operations in the Black Sea, effectively preventing Moscow from establishing total dominance over the region.

This expertise has drawn growing interest from Middle Eastern nations, many of which are grappling with threats to one of the world's most vital shipping corridors. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical passage for global oil supply, making its security a top priority for dozens of countries worldwide.

Zelenskyy's maritime outreach is part of a broader diplomatic push that included a recent tour of Middle Eastern nations. Ukraine has been actively promoting its defense innovations, particularly its counter-drone systems developed in response to Iranian-designed drones used against Ukrainian forces. The country has confirmed active defense cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan, while continuing discussions with Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Turkey.

On the peace front, Zelenskyy noted he anticipated a progress briefing from chief war negotiator Rustem Umerov, indicating that Ukraine continues to pursue both military partnerships and diplomatic solutions simultaneously.