Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hosted leaders and representatives from seven European countries for the inaugural summit of the “Carpathian Eight,” as Kyiv seeks to deepen regional cooperation amid the continuing war with Russia.
The summit, held in Ukraine’s western Ivano-Frankivsk region, brings together Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, with the European Union also involved. The new regional format is intended to strengthen cooperation across security, energy, logistics, cross-border economic ties and support for local communities.
Zelenskyy described the gathering as a “significant beginning” of a movement aimed at bringing the participating countries closer together and creating another element of cooperation at the European Union level.
“Zelenskyy said as he opened the summit.
“Today, for the first time, here in Ukraine, in our part of the Carpathians, we hold a Summit that brings together all the Carpathian states, the regions and communities of our countries. We are launching a new format – C8, the Carpathian Eight – bringing together us and our neighbors in Europe.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The initiative brings together countries with differing positions on Ukraine and its war with Russia. Poland and Romania have been among Kyiv’s supporters, while Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia have not provided Ukraine with direct military assistance.
The summit comes as diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion have stalled. U.S.-mediated negotiations have faced disagreements over territorial concessions in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv has continued to seek security guarantees from its partners as part of any potential settlement.
Against that backdrop, the Carpathian Eight gives Ukraine an additional regional platform for cooperation with neighbouring states. Zelenskyy has identified security, energy and logistics as key areas, alongside expanding cross-border economic cooperation.
The initiative also has an economic dimension. A business forum being held alongside the summit has brought together hundreds of representatives, with trade and investment agreements worth about €1 billion expected to be signed.
Close to 550 business representatives were expected to attend the forum. “It’s a good start: energy, logistics, infrastructure and cross-sector agreements,” he said in a speech transmitted on Ukrainian TV.
For Ukraine, strengthening regional transport and trade links has become increasingly important since Russia’s full-scale invasion disrupted established routes and created additional pressure on the country’s economy and infrastructure.
Russian Strikes Kill Two in Zhytomyr
The summit is taking place against the backdrop of renewed Russian attacks across Ukraine, with overnight strikes killing two people and injuring others in the Zhytomyr region.
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said that two people were killed and two others injured in overnight Russian strikes in the region west of Kyiv. The attacks triggered fires in warehouse and production buildings, while emergency responders had to withdraw during repeated air raid alerts before returning to contain the fires. Emergency deminers also inspected the affected area for explosive devices.
A separate Russian drone attack in Zaporizhzhia destroyed a shopping complex, injured one person and caused a fire, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The attacks came as both Russia and Ukraine continued to report extensive overnight drone activity. Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defences intercepted and destroyed 629 Ukrainian drones over 14 Russian regions, as well as areas around Crimea and the Azov and Black seas.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said more than 350 drones had been heading toward Moscow, with most destroyed before reaching the capital and 64 intercepted as they approached the city.
In Russia’s Rostov region, near the Ukrainian border, local authorities reported damage to houses and residential buildings following an attack. Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar said that there were no casualties.
The Russian military also said it had carried out overnight drone strikes against Ukrainian ports, vessels and logistics facilities that it said were supporting Ukraine’s military.
Among the sites reported hit was a bulk carrier in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk. Russian forces also struck a Nova Poshta logistics facility northwest of Odesa. Russia’s Defence Ministry said the facility was being used to store and distribute military cargo from Europe.
The reports reflect the continuing intensity of the conflict even as diplomatic efforts remain underway.
The Carpathian Eight summit therefore comes at a moment when Ukraine is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic channels aimed at ending the war and strengthening its regional relationships. By bringing together countries with different levels of political and military support for Kyiv, the new format seeks to establish areas of cooperation that can continue despite differences over the conflict.
Zelenskyy said the participating countries would work toward stronger ties in areas including security, energy, logistics and economic cooperation. The initiative is also intended to create closer links with the wider European Union framework.
As Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging long-range attacks, Kyiv is using the summit to broaden its regional partnerships while maintaining its efforts to secure international support for its security and economic priorities.
READ ALSO: 24-Hour Economy Unveils Six Strategic Industrial Projects for Private Investors in Ghana
