Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has launched a new eight-nation grouping aimed at boosting trade, energy and security cooperation across central and eastern Europe. Here's what you need to know.
1. A new regional bloc has been born
Dubbed the "Carpathian Eight," the grouping was formally launched at a summit in western Ukraine, uniting countries that share the Carpathian mountain range. The participating countries hope to attract $10.7 billion in investments with the new bloc.
The bloc brings together Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, as well as the European Union. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić and Romania's President Nicușor Dan travelled to Ukraine for the launch.
Zelenskyy thanked regional partners for keeping trade and transport routes open since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The initiative formalises that cooperation, with a focus on economic ties, energy, logistics, cross-border trade and security.
Officials struck 50 agreements worth more than $1.15 billion, Zelenskyy said. He gave few specifics, but noted more than half concerned energy projects, particularly solar and wind power.
Zelenskyy argued the region could become more than a transit corridor.
“The Carpathians could become an energy supplier for the European Union, not just a transit region,” he wrote on Telegram, tying the plan to Europe's push to cut reliance on Russian energy.
Close to 550 business representatives attended, underlining Kyiv's efforts to pair political backing with investment. Zelenskyy called security “a priority right now and for the years ahead," alongside infrastructure and cross-sector agreements.
Talks continue through the weekend, with further business and diplomatic meetings expected before the event concludes on Sunday (20 September).
A powerful explosion has been reported at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, raising fresh concerns over aviation security in Saudi Arabi...
At least 12 people, including three children, have been killed in a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, a day after U.S. Presiden...
Turkic states are assessing the feasibility of passport-free travel between countries using national ID cards, Kürşad Zorlu, the Deputy Chair...
Leaders of countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have agreed to hold coordinated population censuses around 2030. They took the decision at the CIS Council of Heads of State meeting in Awaza, Turkmenistan on Friday, media reported.
Britain and Israel have reached a temporary compromise over the future of the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem, easing a diplomatic dispute that had threatened to further strain relations between the two countries.
South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday “for her efforts to promote peace and international law,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.
The Nobel Peace Prize 2026 will be announced on Friday, 9 October, bringing one of the world's most closely watched awards back into focus.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (9 October) escalating tensions with European allies and potentially targeting companies that provide services to the tribunal. The move came hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize.
At least 12 people, including three children, have been killed in a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a deal to ease sanctions on Russian diesel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports, questioning why Moscow was granted an economic benefit without an apparent concession towards ending the war in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed surprise after Donald Trump mediated the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement in 2025, the U.S. President said at a rally in New York state on Friday.
The United Nations has condemned a sharp rise in attacks on civilians in Ukraine, reporting that more than 100 people were killed and at least 429 injured in a single week as Russian strikes hit residential areas, passenger buses and critical infrastructure.
Air quality in Singapore plunged to “very unhealthy” levels on Friday, 9 October, as thick haze engulfed the city-state ahead of Sunday's Formula One Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen claimed pole position for Saturday's Sprint race.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment