Sybiga: What Iran is Doing in the Strait of Hormuz, Russia Did Yesterday in the Black Sea

On Thursday, October 12, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga took part in a significant international meeting dedicated to the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This crucial event was chaired by UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Yvette Cooper, who underscored the necessity of international collaboration in securing maritime routes.

During his address, Sybiga emphasized that for Ukraine, Iranian terror is not an abstraction but a reality faced by Ukrainians daily. 'Every Ukrainian knows the sound of Iranian Shahed drones. We know that this sound brings death. For many years, Iran has been helping Russia kill our people,' he stated, highlighting the serious threat posed by Iranian drones.

Sybiga also pointed out the direct connection between the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Russian aggression against Ukraine. 'Terrorist regimes exchange experiences. What Iran is doing today in the Strait of Hormuz, Russia did yesterday in the Black Sea. The problem is that Iran has learned from Russia's mistakes and drawn conclusions,' he noted, indicating dangerous trends that could threaten not only Ukraine but the entire global community.

The head of the Ukrainian diplomatic agency stressed that in the matter of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran pursues the same goals as Russia in the Black Sea: to destabilize global markets and blackmail other countries. 'The only difference is that four years ago, Russia tried to weaponize food, while today Iran is trying to weaponize energy,' he added, pointing to new challenges facing the global economy.

Sybiga also emphasized the importance of stability in global markets for Ukraine. 'Russia must not be allowed to use instability in the Middle East to finance its war,' he stressed, calling for active measures from the international community to prevent such threats.

Drawing parallels between the situation in the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, the minister noted that Ukraine has managed to break the Russian blockade in the Black Sea through the use of maritime drones and a smart strategy. 'We succeeded because we acted decisively – and this is the kind of thinking the world needs today. Ukraine's position is clear: terror must receive a decisive response, and freedom of navigation must be protected,' Sybiga declared, urging for unity and decisive action.

He also highlighted that the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea must be adhered to in the Strait of Hormuz just as they are in the Black Sea. 'We must end this blockade. Ukraine is ready to work with countries in the region on a bilateral level and cooperate with our transatlantic partners. Ukraine is ready to contribute,' the Foreign Minister concluded, calling for active measures to ensure security on maritime routes.