Navigating Narratives: Digital Diplomacy and Freedom of Navigation in the Black Sea

The Black Sea case during the Russo-Ukrainian conflict shows that digital diplomacy is increasingly vital for maintaining freedom of navigation amidst traditional and hybrid conflicts. Although freedom of navigation is firmly rooted in the law of the sea, its practical enforcement increasingly relies on narrative authority, transparency, and quick international cooperation. The article argues that digital diplomacy serves as a supplementary layer to traditional mechanisms for protecting merchant shipping. It does so by shaping legal frameworks, documenting violations, rallying international support, and reinforcing adherence to maritime regimes. Using an interdisciplinary approach that combines maritime law, security studies, and digital communication analysis, the research shows how Ukraine has used digital tools to internationalize maritime security threats, fight disinformation, and legitimize efforts such as humanitarian corridors and alternative shipping routes. The findings suggest that digital diplomacy needs to be integrated into the operations of state maritime agencies and multilateral coordination efforts as a key part of modern maritime security and governance.