Zelensky launches C8 to approach Ukraine and seven Carpathian countries

“ Pit first time, here in Ukraine, in our Carpathian area, we held a summit that brings together all the Carpathian states, as well as the regions and communities of our countries,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader named a new format C8, in reference to the eight countries in the region, according to the Spanish agency Europa Press (EP).

“ This marks the beginning of a movement that should bring our countries closer together,” he said.

Zelensky said that the C8 also aims to “create another solid framework for cooperation at European Union (EU) level.

“Security, energy, a significant expansion of logistics and cross-border economic cooperation, as well as substantial support for our communities,” he said.

Among the participants in the meeting were the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, and the presidents of Romania, Nicusor Dan, and Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic.

Zelensky stated that the Carpathians “do not divide, but unite regions through important transport and logistics routes.”.

“ We develop solid cross-border trade and energy links, and these are fundamental to our countries,” he said.

Zelensky called for joint solutions to the challenges in the region and advocated improved transport and logistics.

In this sense, he stressed the need to “accelerate the modernisation of roads and railways”.

“ We need military mobility that improves our defence capacity,” he said.

He also noted that the region needs “more storage facilities, more renewable energy, the development of critical minerals in the region, stronger commercial links and greater cooperation in the manufacturing sector”.

All this must be accompanied by more foreign investment in the region, the Ukrainian President said.

The Carpathians are “a natural gateway to Europe for routes from the Caucasus and Asia through the Black Sea,” he added.

Tusk published on social media a photograph alongside Zelensky and the Ukrainian First Lady, Olena.

“ We all have hard weeks and months ahead of us. Today, in Ukraine, we show our solidarity”, wrote Tusk in the legend of the image, quoted by the Spanish agency EFE.

Ukraine faces a particularly difficult winter in the context of the Russian invasion, which began in February 2022, with the lack of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems capable of taking down ballistic missiles from Russia.

Kiev forces have also had trouble intercepting the new Russian jet-engined drones, much faster than previous models.

Ukrainians have suffered daily the destruction of logistics infrastructures of supermarkets, pharmaceutical companies and other suppliers of basic products.

The population fears that the scarcity of some goods that they already feel in some stores will spread over the coming weeks and months.

Russia has also increased attacks on border crossings with Ukraine's neighbouring countries and drone violations and, to a lesser extent, missiles from their airspace.