Ukraine Will Launch Initiative Bringing Together 8 Countries, Including Slovakia

Kiev, 4 August (TASR) - Ukraine plans to launch a so-called Carpathian Initiative this autumn, which will bring together eight countries, including Slovakia and the Czech Republic, that share common economic and security interests, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday (3 August), TASR has reported, referring to a story published by the RBC-Ukraine agency. "Why did this idea come about? Because not all countries are prepared to support us with weapons, but they do want to cooperate in the areas of humanitarian aid, security and the economy. They are also considering Ukraine's reconstruction," said Zelenskyy, adding that the fact that neighbouring countries are considering reconstruction is a sign of confidence in Ukraine and in a peaceful future. According to Zelenskyy, the Carpathian Initiative will unite countries with shared economic and security interests. In addition, it covers logistics, and culture and the future of tourism could also become part of it later on. The initiative includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine. "This initiative is something that can unite us all. We need it," said the Ukrainian head of state, noting that it will be officially launched this autumn. Discussions on specific dates are already underway. am