Zelensky hosts first Carpathian countries summit in Ukraine
Leaders from neighbouring European countries gather to deepen economic ties, discuss security and logistics.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inaugurated the inaugural Carpathian Summit in western Ukraine on Friday, gathering leaders and officials from neighboring EU nations to fortify economic ties. The summit aimed to engage all countries of the Carpathian region, neighboring nations, and Europeans in the region who value national independence, as stated by Zelensky.
Representatives from Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and the EU participated in the event. Zelensky highlighted the significance of the Carpathian macro-region as a cornerstone of Ukraine's defense, emphasizing the enduring strength it provides.
The summit brought together political leaders and business representatives to deliberate on economic cooperation, security, and logistics, as Russia continues to target Ukraine's transportation routes. As the fifth year of Russia's invasion unfolds, Ukraine seeks to maintain a steady flow of financial and military support to sustain its ongoing war effort.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk underscored the importance of solidarity during these challenging times. With approximately two-thirds of state spending allocated to defense, Ukraine projected a requirement of US$53 billion in foreign aid for the following year, encompassing assistance from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Furthermore, Ukraine is seeking additional missile defense systems to counter escalating Russian ballistic attacks, while also developing interceptors to counter Russia's jet-powered drones.
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- Zelensky hosts first Carpathian countries summit in Ukraine freemalaysiatoday.com
