Ukraine is ready to assist efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday, as tensions in the Middle East continue to unsettle global energy markets.
The strategic waterway, a key route for global oil shipments, has come under Iranian control in recent days, raising concerns over fuel supplies and adding pressure to the global economy. The move follows escalating hostilities after US and Israeli strikes in the region.
Speaking to a small group of journalists, including one from Agence France-Presse, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had already conveyed its willingness to support regional partners.
“No one has formally involved us in the issue of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. “But during my visits, I told representatives of the Middle East and Gulf countries that Ukraine is ready to help in everything related to defence.”
Although he did not provide details on how Kyiv could contribute, Zelenskyy pointed to Ukraine’s experience in restoring maritime access in the Black Sea after Russia blocked key shipping routes at the start of its invasion. Ukraine has since managed to maintain export corridors despite continued threats.
Zelenskyy’s comments come after a recent tour of the Middle East, where he visited several countries and signed defence agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Kyiv has increasingly sought to position itself as a security partner in the region, highlighting both its experience in protecting shipping routes and its growing expertise in countering drone attacks. Ukrainian forces have intercepted large numbers of Russian drones, many of which are similar to those used by Iran in operations across the Middle East.
“I believe we have changed the attitude of the Middle East and the Gulf region towards Ukraine for many years to come,” Zelenskyy said.
Source: CNA