Ukraine hosts regional summit focused on security and cooperation

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy brought leaders and representatives from seven neighboring countries and the European Union to Bukovel for the inaugural “Carpathian Eight” summit. Discussions covered security, energy and logistics, while Poland announced it had joined a Ukraine-linked anti-ballistic missile coalition.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted leaders and representatives from Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary on Friday at the western Ukrainian ski resort of Bukovel. The European Union also participated in talks aimed at deepening regional cooperation, according to DW.

Zelenskyy described the meeting as a “significant beginning” for a movement intended to strengthen ties among the countries and create another element of cooperation at the EU level. He said participants had pledged to work together on security, energy, logistics, cross-border economic ties and support for local communities.

The summit took place amid concern over what DW described as increasing Russian hybrid threats, including sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation and potential drone incursions into NATO territory. Overnight Russian strikes in several Ukrainian regions had also caused fires, deaths and injuries as the meeting began.

The grouping brought together countries with differing positions on military support for Ukraine. Poland and Romania have been strong supporters, while Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia have refused to provide Kyiv with direct military assistance. Zelenskyy said the broader Carpathian region had become a reliable foundation of Ukraine’s defense.

Zelenskyy said almost 550 business representatives were expected at the forum and that investment and trade agreements valued at €1 billion would be signed. He also announced that Ukraine had secured €3.3 billion from an EU financial support package to strengthen its defense capabilities, including purchases of missiles and drones.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Poland had joined an anti-ballistic missile coalition established in July by Ukraine and nine other European countries. The initiative is intended to develop a jointly produced system as a less expensive alternative to the US Patriot system. Tusk also announced a new, unspecified “significant” donation package for Ukraine and said Poland would continue supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression.