Zelensky seeks stronger trade, security links through Carpathian Eight

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky launched the Carpathian Eight, a new regional grouping of eight countries from central and eastern Europe, at a summit in western Ukraine on Friday. The initiative is designed to promote trade, energy, logistics, and security cooperation following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The grouping brings together Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and the European Union. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, and Romania's President Nicusor Dan attended the inaugural event, which is expected to last until Sunday. Zelensky said on Telegram that the move marks the start of a movement that should bring the countries closer together and create another strong framework for cooperation at the EU level. Close to 550 business representatives were expected to attend the forum, and Zelensky said investment and trade agreements worth €1 billion ($1.15 billion) were expected to be signed. The summit is being held in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of western Ukraine.