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The Black Sea Security Forum 2026 has kicked off in Odessa

The Black Sea Security Forum 2026 has kicked off in Odessa

Diana Shevchenko Journalist

30 May 2026, 11:30

The Black Sea Security Forum 2026 has kicked off in Odessa — Donald Trump’s pastor, Mark Burns, at the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, 29 May 2026. Suspilne Odesa

The third Black Sea Security Forum, an international security forum, began in Odessa on 29 May; this year, it brought together over 1,200 participants from Ukraine, Europe, the US and other countries around the world

This was reported by Suspilne Odesa.

American politicians and diplomats have arrived in Odesa

The event is taking place at the Odesa National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Among the forum participants are US Senators Mark Kelly and Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Ukraine Julie Davis, and US President Donald Trump’s pastor, Mark Burns. Over the course of several days, participants will discuss the security situation in the Black Sea region, international support for Ukraine, current challenges facing Europe, and the development of defence technologies. During his speech, Senator Mark Kelly stated that the war in Ukraine is already changing approaches to modern warfare.

“The lessons we are currently learning in Ukraine are truly immense. In fact, this is shaping a new era today. A strategic reality that we must all take into account,” he said.

The forum discussed the robotisation of the military and strikes against Russia

During the discussions, participants also raised the issue of military technology development. Vladislav Sobolevsky, an adviser to the commander of the Third Army Corps, reported that by the end of 2026, the unit plans to replace around 30% of its infantry with ground-based robotic systems. Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, emphasised that Ukraine continues to adapt to the new conditions of war and is using asymmetric approaches to counter Russian aggression. According to him, modern warfare requires rapid changes from both Ukraine and its European partners.

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