President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced his attendance at a conference in Granada, Spain, where the heads of nearly 50 European nations were also present.
Zelensky in Spain for European summit: Ahead of what officials fear may be heightened Russian attacks throughout the winter, Zelensky is lobbying his Western friends for stronger military support and air defence systems during his visit.
In Spain, Granada. European Political Community summit. We’ll collaborate on projects and hold significant bilateral encounters, Zelensky wrote on social media.
“Strengthening air defence is crucial for us, especially before the winter, and we already have the framework for new agreements with our allies. We are getting ready to confirm and put them into effect,” he said.
Additionally, after pulling out of a treaty providing for the secure passage of shipments through the Black Sea, Russia has increased its attacks on Ukrainian ports.
Ukraine has been exploring a new sea route since Russia withdrew from the agreement and hopes to resume routine exports on the Black Sea.
Zelensky emphasized the need to give special attention to the Black Sea region and to cooperate for international food security and the protection of freedom of navigation.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron originally suggested the creation of the European Political Community, which would bring together members of the European Union and non-EU nations in a larger platform.
Tensions between members Armenia and Azerbaijan, whose President Ilham Aliyev declined a meeting with Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan, have clouded the summit’s opening this year.