Ukraine Builds Regional Alliance as War Continues

2026, September 19

Ukraine / Eastern Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy launched a new trade and security initiative involving eight Central and Eastern European countries. The summit in western Ukraine produced more than €1 billion in agreements, with a substantial share directed toward renewable energy and efforts to strengthen regional energy independence from Russia.

The initiative comes as the war continues, with a Russian glide-bomb attack in Sumy killing two people and injuring seven, while broader diplomatic efforts remain stalled. The United States has also imposed new sanctions targeting Russian energy revenues and individuals accused of supporting the war.