Ukraine's Black Sea Security Forum signals nation's rise as global power
The Black Sea Security Forum (BSSF) in Odesa, held under frequent Russian air attacks, showcased Ukraine's growing global influence. Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko, who launched the forum with Lord Michael Ashcroft in 2024, emphasized Odesa's ambition to become Ukraine's second center. Attendees included former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, Georgia's fifth president Salome Zourabichvili, US congresspeople, and Reza Pahlavi. US senator Ruben Gallego stressed the symbolic importance of Ukraine's sovereignty. The forum highlighted Ukraine's expertise in drone warfare, prosthetics, and rehabilitation, with CEO Olga Rudnieva of Superhumans NGO detailing services for severely wounded. Hanna Shelest of Ukrainian Prism noted Ukraine now offers solutions in maritime security, food security, and drone diplomacy. The event reflects cautious optimism about Ukraine's resilience and emerging leadership.
Key facts
- Black Sea Security Forum held in Odesa under Russian air attacks
- Forum launched in 2024 by Oleksiy Goncharenko and Lord Michael Ashcroft
- Odesa is under frequent Russian air attack, with recent casualties and ship hits
- Attendees included Petro Poroshenko, Salome Zourabichvili, US congresspeople, Reza Pahlavi
- US senator Ruben Gallego attended and spoke about Ukraine's sovereignty
- Ukraine is exporting drone warfare expertise to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE
- Superhumans NGO provides prosthetics, facial reconstruction, and rehabilitation
- Ukraine now offers solutions in maritime security, food security, and drone diplomacy
Entities
Institutions
- Black Sea Security Forum
- Monocle
- Superhumans
- Ukrainian Prism
Locations
- Odesa
- Ukraine
- Chisinau
- Moldova
- Georgia
- Iran
- Arizona
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- UAE
- Russia
Sources
- Monocle —