Zelensky enacts new Maritime Security Strategy of Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree enacting the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on the Maritime Security Strategy.

This was reported on July 17 on the website of the Office of the President.

The document states that the purpose of the Strategy is to ensure preparedness, comprehensive and effective prevention, and response to threats to Ukraine’s maritime security.

In particular, those that arise on the coastal territories, in its maritime spaces, and in other areas of the world ocean, which are covered by our state’s economic and other interests.

The Maritime Security Strategy should increase the capacity of Ukraine’s security and defense sector components to counter aggression and respond to threats effectively.

Ukraine’s maritime security objectives:

• – increasing the capacity of the Navy and the Maritime Guard to effectively counter aggression and respond to or minimize threats;
• de-occupation of the temporarily occupied coast and maritime zones;
• ensuring sovereignty in Ukraine’s maritime spaces;
• sustainable development of the maritime and river industry, trade, tourism, education and science;
• obtaining compensation and rebuilding damaged infrastructure;
• restoring international peace and security in the Azov, Black, Mediterranean and Baltic Seas;
• overcoming the consequences of hostilities, preventing pollution of seas and rivers, and improving their ecological condition.

According to the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers, together with the Security Service and the Foreign Intelligence Service, must develop and approve an action plan to implement this strategy within three months.

It is the basis for developing other planning documents in Ukraine’s maritime security field.

It is important for Ukraine to restore control over the temporarily occupied territories, the sea coast, and its own maritime spaces, as well as to restore and ensure the safety of sea routes.

The maritime security strategy of Ukraine is based on the following principles:

• defense and security – development of maritime defense capabilities to deter and repel aggression and minimize external threats;
• sustainability – the ability of the maritime and river potential to adapt to changes in the security environment, supporting sustainable functioning;
• development – building and strengthening maritime capabilities to ensure national interests and maritime security;
• interaction – strengthening interagency ties and strategic relations with other states to develop cooperation and national security of Ukraine.

Maritime security plays an important role in Ukraine’s national security system.

The strategy will be financed by the state budget and other sources, including foreign investments.