Zelenskyy Launches Carpathian Eight Summit for Regional Cooperation

Volodymyr Zelenskyy launched the Carpathian Eight at a summit in Bukovel, Ukraine, held September 18-20. The format links Ukraine with Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and the European Union. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Romanian President Nicusor Dan attended. On Telegram, Zelenskyy called it the start of a movement to bring the countries closer and create another strong framework for cooperation at the EU level. In a speech on Ukrainian TV he said security is a priority now and for years ahead and called energy, logistics, infrastructure and cross-sector agreements a good start. Nearly 550 business representatives were expected, with deals worth EUR1 billion expected to be signed. Ukraine's State Emergency Service said overnight Russian strikes killed two and injured two in Zhytomyr and destroyed a shopping complex in Zaporizhzhia, injuring one. Russia's Defence Ministry said it intercepted 629 Ukrainian drones overnight; Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said more than 350 headed toward Moscow and 64 were shot down approaching the city. Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar reported damage and no casualties. Coverage also noted stalled US-mediated peace talks over eastern territorial concessions and differing military support among summit countries.