Speech made at the Black Sea Security Forum, published in the Kyiv Post on 30 March 2025.
Lord Ashcroft highlights Odesa’s strategic role in Ukraine’s defense and global food security and how Ukraine’s naval innovation is beating Russia in the Black Sea.
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure, as lead sponsor of this forum, to welcome you all to the beautiful city of Odesa – often described by its residents as “the pearl by the sea.” And a pearl it is indeed: rich in history, shaped by a tapestry of cultures, and defined by the resilient, unmistakable Ukrainian spirit – not least its enduring sense of humour, even in the most trying times.
Today, as we gather here, Odesa finds itself on the front line of a very different kind of struggle. Since the illegal annexation of Crimea, this city has become Ukraine’s principal maritime gateway – a critical artery for trade and survival. Ukrainian grain, exported via the Black Sea and the Danube, has become a lifeline not just for Ukraine’s economy, but for global food security.
This is no easy task. Floating sea mines and regular missile attacks remain a constant threat – a grim reminder of the danger faced daily by the people of this city. That is why I want to express my deep gratitude to each and every one of you for your courage and commitment in making the journey to Odesa for this important Forum.
Historically, the Black Sea has always held strategic significance – from the era of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union to the NATO nations of Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria. But today, the region stands on the cusp of a new geopolitical chapter. As the world navigates an era of growing fragmentation, the Black Sea has become a stage of global relevance.
It is not only a matter of securing grain routes to prevent famine, nor solely about upholding Western resolve against malign actors. What we are witnessing here is the redefinition of maritime security itself.
For the first time in history, a country with no conventional navy has succeeded in neutralising and repelling a major naval power – not through numbers, but through innovation. Ukraine’s use of unmanned maritime drones, such as the Magura, is rewriting the rules of naval warfare. I had the honour of observing these technologies up close and learning directly from the operators behind them. Their ingenuity is extraordinary. One such drone recently achieved a remarkable milestone: the downing of a Russian fighter jet – an event that, while underappreciated in the wider world, marks a turning point in military history.
Ukraine is not only defending itself – it is setting new precedents for how maritime power can be projected in the 21st century. The United Kingdom, with its proud naval tradition, has much to learn from Ukraine’s example. So too do our European allies. To learn from Ukraine is not just to show solidarity; it is to equip ourselves for the realities of tomorrow’s conflicts – which, given today’s geopolitical climate, may not be far off.
Before we begin, I would also like to share a special message. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Elina Svitolina – an exceptional athlete, a passionate advocate for Ukraine, and a proud daughter of Odesa. She has kindly recorded a greeting for the Forum, which we will now play.
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