Norway Provides More Than $100 Million in Support
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Norway for providing more than $100 million in budget support for Ukraine through the Ukraine Facility.
He described the decision as important and said it came at a timely moment. According to Zelenskyy, the issue had been discussed during his recent meetings with Norway's prime minister.
He thanked the Norwegian prime minister, government and people for continuing to support Ukraine.
Ukraine Receives €3.3 Billion From EU
Zelenskyy also announced that Ukraine had received a €3.3 billion tranche from an EU financial support package.
He said the funds had arrived following a discussion the previous day with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Zelenskyy thanked von der Leyen for the support and said Ukraine was already preparing for further discussions about the country's financial resilience.
Funds to Support Ukraine’s Defense
According to Zelenskyy, the newly received European funds will initially help Ukraine meet its defense needs.
He specifically mentioned missiles and drones as areas where the money would be directed.
The statement comes as Ukraine continues to rely on international financial and military assistance while dealing with the ongoing war with Russia. Zelenskyy said maintaining financial stability is an important part of Ukraine's broader national effort.
Ukraine Prepares for Financial Discussions
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is also preparing for a meeting in New York focused on the country's financial resilience.
He linked the planned discussions to an agreement reached during his recent conversation with European Commission President von der Leyen.
The Ukrainian government has continued to seek international financial support to help maintain public services, government operations and defense capabilities during the war.
New Carpathian Cooperation Format
Zelenskyy also announced a new regional cooperation initiative called the “C8,” or “Carpathian Eight.”
He said the first summit under the new format was being held in Ukraine's Carpathian region and brought together countries, regions and communities connected to the Carpathian area.
The initiative includes Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria and Hungary, along with Ukraine. Zelenskyy also referred to cooperation with the European Union as a whole.
Focus on Security and Energy
According to Zelenskyy, the new format is intended to strengthen cooperation among Ukraine and its European neighbors.
He said the areas of cooperation would include security, energy, logistics and cross-border economic activity.
Zelenskyy also said the initiative could provide additional support for local communities and help strengthen connections between participating countries at the European Union level.
Expanding Regional Economic Cooperation
Zelenskyy described the C8 initiative as the beginning of a broader movement to bring participating countries closer together.
He said stronger logistics and cross-border economic cooperation could create new opportunities for regions and communities.
The initiative is also intended to provide another framework for cooperation on shared regional challenges, including energy and security.
Key Points
- Zelenskyy thanked Norway for more than $100 million in budget support for Ukraine.
- The support was provided through the Ukraine Facility.
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine received a €3.3 billion tranche from an EU financial support package.
- He said the funds would initially support defense needs, including missiles and drones.
- Ukraine is preparing for discussions on its financial resilience in New York.
- Zelenskyy announced the new “C8” or “Carpathian Eight” cooperation format.
- The initiative involves Ukraine and neighboring European countries.
- Proposed areas of cooperation include security, energy, logistics and cross-border trade.
- Zelenskyy said the initiative could provide greater support for regional communities.
Source
This article is based on statements provided by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
