Speeches

And we have here almost 1,400 participants. More than 800 representatives of governments, regions and communities, and more than 500 business representatives from all C8 countries. My congratulations. And this is the first summit of this scale for our macro-region.

We already cooperate extensively on our defense. As you know, we work together in energy and on export and import routes – this is very important. Logistics is one of our key priorities, especially during the war. We also work together on humanitarian issues, in supporting people and communities, and in our cooperation at the European Union level.

​The Carpathians are not only beautiful, they’re also an important part of the strength of our countries and of Europe. The mountains that do not divide, but unite regions through major Carpathians transport and logistics routes. We developed strong cross-border trade and energy links here, and they are critical for our countries.

This concerns negotiations – bringing peace closer – and some other important issues, including energy, food security, and weapons. There will be new support packages for Ukraine, air defense in particular.

I want to specifically thank all our employees of Ukrzaliznytsia for their truly professional and courageous work. Even though the Russians consider our railways one of their top targets, Ukrzaliznytsia is operating at a high level. Despite delays, despite strikes, and despite all the damage, we are keeping our logistics running.

Peace is needed. Energy, food routes, critical infrastructure – all of this must be part of the discussion on ending the strikes. We need a strong and fair solution, and not just for the “elections,” but for good.

I am grateful for the defense package that Prime Minister Carney has already announced. Above all, it will strengthen our air defense – both our Patriots and our combat aircraft, which down Russian jet-powered “shaheds.”

Thank you for devoting sufficient attention today to the winter period and to all the challenges that may indeed arise. We very much hope that we will be able to reach arrangements with our American partners in this domain, and we hope for the support of European partners if the war continues into the winter.

Today, it has been clearly established that U.S. envoys will be in Ukraine and Russia in the coming days. We have the details from the U.S. President’s team. We discussed today that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Moscow and then Kyiv on Sunday.

We need to act not only through statements, not only through persuasion, but also through the necessary economic tools that have an impact on the aggressor. We are preparing the relevant meetings for September so that Russia feels the economic consequences.