Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his country is willing to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following tensions that have disrupted global energy supplies.
Gatekeepers News reports that in remarks made public on Friday, Zelensky said Ukraine had not been formally approached on the matter but had already signalled its readiness to support countries in the region.
“No one has involved us specifically in the issue of the Strait of Hormuz. During my visits, I told representatives of the Middle East and Gulf countries: Ukraine is ready to help with everything related to defence,” he said.
The vital shipping corridor has come under pressure after Iran moved to restrict access, a development that has rattled global markets and threatened fuel supplies. The action follows retaliatory measures linked to strikes involving the United States and Israel that escalated tensions in the Middle East.
Zelensky, who spoke to a small group of journalists including AFP on Thursday, did not provide details on how Ukraine would contribute. However, he referenced Kyiv’s experience in restoring maritime access in the Black Sea after Russia blocked key routes during its invasion of Ukraine.
With global attention increasingly shifting to the Middle East conflict, Ukraine has expressed concern about being sidelined diplomatically. Kyiv has sought to position itself as a security partner by leveraging its battlefield experience, particularly in countering drone attacks similar to those deployed by Iran in the Gulf region.
The Ukrainian leader recently visited several Middle Eastern countries, signing defence agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
“I believe that we have changed the attitude of the Middle East and the Gulf region toward Ukraine for many years ahead,” Zelensky said.
