Rebuild Ukraine Forum 2026 / Panel VIb / 22 October 2026

The panel examined the changing nature of warfare in the Black Sea, the growing role of unmanned systems and electronic warfare, and the need for stronger regional cooperation to protect maritime security and support Ukraine’s reconstruction. Moderator Radu Tudor opened the session by stressing that the war is intensifying and that Russian threats increasingly affect NATO’s eastern flank, including Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye. He called for stronger allied capabilities in the Black Sea, expanded mine-clearance operations, improved counter-drone measures and closer regional coordination to prevent further escalation and prepare for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Rear Admiral Marian Ciobotaru highlighted how Ukrainian naval forces have challenged Russia’s maritime dominance through anti-ship missiles, amphibious operations and unmanned surface vehicles, forcing Russian vessels to withdraw from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. He warned that Russia is increasingly targeting commercial shipping and stressed the importance of adapting naval capabilities to evolving threats. Andrii Ryzhenko outlined Ukraine’s efforts to maintain maritime export routes despite Russian attacks on ports and shipping infrastructure. He emphasised the effectiveness of unmanned naval systems, a cost-efficient and less vulnerable alternative to conventional vessels, and the growing importance of electronic warfare, air defence and control of strategically significant areas such as Snake Island. Oscar Rojas presented the role of autonomous maritime technologies in strengthening situational awareness and protecting critical underwater infrastructure, from detecting and neutralising sea mines to safeguarding ports, communication cables, power connections and pipelines.

Mustafa Nayyem underlined that the security challenges facing Ukraine and Romania are closely connected, particularly in the Black Sea and around critical infrastructure. He argued that effective unmanned capabilities depend on an integrated ecosystem encompassing research and development, maintenance, operational support and coordination, and called for deeper cooperation between Ukrainian and European defence industries, greater recognition of Ukrainian technologies and faster procurement processes. Ionuț Moșteanu stressed the need to keep the Black Sea open to commercial shipping, emphasising allied support, the rapid transfer of maritime equipment and sustained NATO engagement, as the Black Sea will remain a contested strategic space even after the war ends. Former Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă reflected on the strategic and political dimensions of the discussion, highlighting the importance of raising awareness of Ukraine’s wartime experience and the lessons it offers for European security.