Zelenskyy Welcomes Seven Nations for Inaugural Carpathian Eight Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday welcomed leaders and representatives from seven European countries for the inaugural Carpathian Eight (C8) summit, a new regional cooperation initiative focused on security, energy, logistics, trade and cross-border economic ties.

The summit is being held in Bukovel in Ukraine’s Ivano-Frankivsk region from September 18 to 20. The grouping comprises Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, with the European Union also participating.

Zelenskyy described the gathering as the beginning of a new format designed to bring the participating countries closer and strengthen cooperation at the EU level. He said the agenda would include regional security, energy cooperation, expanded logistics links, cross-border economic activity and support for local communities.

The meeting comes amid continuing efforts to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. US-mediated diplomatic efforts have faced difficulties, particularly over the question of territorial concessions in eastern Ukraine and Kyiv's demand for security guarantees.

The participating countries have differing positions on support for Ukraine. Poland and Romania have been among Kyiv's strong European supporters, while Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia have taken positions that differ from those of countries providing direct military assistance to Ukraine.

The summit also has a substantial economic component. Organisers say more than 500 business participants and international investors are involved, while an investment programme features projects in energy, transport, manufacturing, infrastructure and other sectors.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Romanian President Nicusor Dan are among the senior leaders attending, while Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary are represented by officials.

The summit is taking place against the backdrop of renewed Russian and Ukrainian drone attacks. Ukrainian authorities reported overnight strikes that killed two people and injured two others in the Zhytomyr region, while a Russian drone attack damaged a shopping complex in Zaporizhzhia and injured one person. Russia, meanwhile, said its air defences had intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and surrounding waters.

The C8 initiative is intended to create a longer-term platform for regional cooperation, linking political dialogue with economic development, investment and cross-border projects.