The world needs a new approach to security and defence, as modern wars are reshaping our understanding of threats. In particular, Russia could try to block sea lanes in the Baltic Sea, following the example of the Black Sea.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this during a speech in Denmark’s parliament, the Folketing.
According to the head of state, back in 2022 it was hard to imagine the emergence of so-called kill zones, in which cheap drones are capable of destroying virtually everything.
Zelenskyy also drew attention to events in the Middle East. After the bombing of Iran began, the forces of the Iranian regime and their allies turned natural sea routes into a tool of pressure on neighbouring countries and the entire world.
“And this year something else happened in the Middle East — something dangerous that changed our understanding of war. After the bombing of Iran began, the forces of the Iranian regime and their allies turned natural sea routes into a weapon against their neighbours and against the whole world,” the President noted.
The head of state added that events in the Strait of Hormuz led to rising energy prices and intensified the cost-of-living crisis worldwide.
He stressed that key sea lanes matter not only to coastal states, but also to hundreds of millions of people in other countries.
“It is not only Ukraine that is suffering from Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea, but also far beyond its borders, from Egypt to the countries of South Asia,” Zelenskyy said.
The head of state urged people to consider what would happen if Russia tried to repeat such a scenario in the Baltic Sea or if other states attempted to block vital sea lanes in different parts of the world.
“And what will happen if Russia tries to do the same in the Baltic Sea? What will happen if someone tries to repeat what happened in the Strait of Hormuz — this time on other key sea lanes and straits around the world? And who will defend European interests?” the president asked.