Headlines
Ukraine's Zelenskiy Calls for Joint Efforts to Set up Hormuz Mission
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 17, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 18, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleQuick Summary
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy urged international collaboration to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, citing Ukraine’s wartime maritime experience in demining, escort operations, and drone defense as valuable contributions.
Ukraine’s Zelenskiy Calls for Joint Maritime Security Mission in Hormuz Strait
Zelenskiy's Appeal for Maritime Security Cooperation
Call for Joint Efforts in the Strait of Hormuz
April 17 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Friday for joint efforts for an effective mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and said Kyiv's wartime experience in the Black Sea could help.
Implications for Global Security
"Decisions made regarding Hormuz now will determine how other aggressive actors perceive the possibility of creating problems in other straits and on other fronts," Zelenskiy said in remarks to a video conference attended by 50 countries and chaired by France and Britain.
"We need to be as specific and clear as possible so that in six months we don't find ourselves in the same situation as in Gaza, where much still needs to be done."
Security Challenges in Hormuz
Beyond Political Solutions
"In Hormuz, there are security challenges that cannot be addressed by political decisions alone," he added, without elaborating.
Ukraine's Experience in Maritime Security
Black Sea Operations
Zelenskiy, whose remarks appeared on the Telegram messaging app, said that in the course of four years of war with Russia, Ukraine had "already carried out a very similar mission in the Black Sea".
Expertise in Escorting and Defense
"Russia also attempted to blockade our sea and we have experience in escorting merchant vessels, demining, defending against air attacks and the overall coordination of such operations," he said.
Sharing Expertise with the Middle East
Ukraine, he said, had sent specialists throughout the Middle East to help countries benefit from its experience in defending against Russian drones, many designed in Iran.
"We can also contribute to maritime security," he said.
Regional Security Cooperation
Agreements and Ongoing Talks
Ukraine has clinched security cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and says it is In talks with Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Alistair Bell)
Key Takeaways
- •Zelenskiy highlighted that Ukraine’s Black Sea mission—unblocking maritime corridors through escorting ships, demining, and drone defenses—offers practical expertise for a Hormuz security operation. (pravda.com.ua)
- •Ukraine has already deployed anti‑drone specialists and signed ten‑year defense pacts with Gulf allies (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE), positioning itself as both a security partner and exporter of battlefield‑tested technologies. (apnews.com)
- •Kiev’s involvement in Hormuz stems from consultations underway with international partners, including Asian states, to ensure freedom of navigation and respond decisively to aggressive disruptions. (al-monitor.com)
References
- Ukraine participates in consultations on the Strait of Hormuz | Ukrainska Pravda
- Zelenskyy visits Gulf Arab states to talk drone defense and seek strategic ties
- Asia shows interest in Ukraine's maritime defence expertise, Zelenskiy says - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012
Frequently Asked Questions about Ukraine's Zelenskiy calls for joint efforts to set up Hormuz mission
1What did President Zelenskiy call for regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
President Zelenskiy called for joint international efforts to establish an effective mission ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
2How can Ukraine’s wartime experience benefit the Hormuz mission?
Ukraine’s experience in the Black Sea, including escorting merchant vessels and demining, can help ensure maritime security in Hormuz.
3Which countries were mentioned as cooperating with Ukraine in maritime security?
Ukraine has signed security cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and is in talks with Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
4Why does Zelenskiy believe action in Hormuz is urgent?
Zelenskiy warned that decisions made for Hormuz will influence actors elsewhere and prevent situations similar to the ongoing Gaza crisis.
5What expertise has Ukraine shared with Middle Eastern countries?
Ukraine has sent specialists to the Middle East to help countries defend against drones and contribute to maritime security.
