Zelensky Hosts Key Regional Leaders in Odesa, Highlights United Front Against Russian Threats
Ukrainian President Zelensky meets with leaders from Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Serbia in Odesa to reinforce support against Russian aggression and deepen regional cooperation.
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Zelensky Hosts Key Regional Leaders in Odesa, Highlights United Front Against Russian Threats
ŞEHİTLER ÖLMEZ / UKRAINE
Regional Diplomacy Intensifies Amid War: Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Serbia Pledge Continued Support for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a series of high-profile bilateral meetings in Odesa during the 4th Ukraine–Southeastern Europe Summit, underscoring a unified stance against Russian aggression and reinforcing commitments to regional stability, reconstruction, and European integration.
Meeting with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
Zelensky met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss security cooperation, infrastructure development, and joint efforts to pressure Russia into ending the war. The leaders explored opportunities to enhance energy security and improve transportation links in the region. Zelensky thanked Greece for its consistent support of Ukraine and participation in the summit.
Continued Military and Humanitarian Support from Croatia
In a separate meeting, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily—particularly through artillery and ammunition supplies. Plenković confirmed that Croatia has delivered 13 military aid packages to date. Zelensky expressed particular gratitude for Croatia’s role in rehabilitating wounded Ukrainian soldiers and providing care for displaced Ukrainian children.
Additionally, Croatia will host the first international conference dedicated to Ukrainian veterans this October—a significant step toward long-term support for war-affected servicemen and women.
Talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Zhelyazkov
Ukrainian-Bulgarian relations also took center stage. Zelensky and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov discussed bilateral cooperation, Black Sea security, energy collaboration, and Ukraine’s European integration. Zelensky praised Bulgaria’s clear and ongoing support for Ukraine’s EU membership, noting the completion of key EU accession benchmarks and expressing hope that negotiation clusters will open soon.
He also acknowledged Bulgaria’s delivery of 11 defense aid packages—emphasizing the real impact of these efforts on Ukraine’s people.
Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine: Regional Unity and Infrastructure
Zelensky had a productive first-time trilateral meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan. The leaders addressed regional security, countering Russian hybrid and cyber threats, and enhancing mobility through railway and highway development. They also discussed the role of sanctions in the peace process. Ukraine pledged to support Moldova, alongside Romania, in combating Russian destabilization efforts.
Serbian President Vučić Visits Ukraine for the First Time
Zelensky welcomed Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for his first visit to Ukraine—a symbolic gesture in a time of ongoing conflict. The two leaders discussed EU integration, bilateral cooperation, and Serbia’s initiative to sponsor the reconstruction of several Ukrainian towns. Zelensky thanked Serbia for recognizing Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The summit reaffirmed Ukraine’s deepening ties with Southeastern Europe and the shared commitment to peace, resilience, and democratic values. "We are grateful for every effort that brings us closer to peace and strengthens our path toward Europe," Zelensky said.
