August M
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine is reopening several stalled diplomatic channels as Kyiv works to strengthen regional partnerships during the ongoing war with Russia.
Speaking to ICTV at the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, in comments reported by Ukrainska Pravda, Zelenskyy described a series of recent meetings as evidence of broader political momentum between Ukraine and its neighbouring states.
New momentum
The Ukrainian president said discussions held during the summit showed progress in areas where communication had previously slowed or remained frozen.
Among the developments was an agreement with Slovakia to organise intergovernmental consultations next month involving ministers from both countries. Diplomats are expected to decide whether the gathering will take place in Kyiv or Bratislava.
“Diplomats will now decide whether it will be Bratislava or Kyiv. All ministers will be present, which is important; there will already be concrete things, cooperation. I also consider this a good signal,” Zelenskyy said.
The summit also produced Zelenskyy’s first direct conversation in a long period with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, amid difficult relations between Kyiv and Tbilisi.
Regional outreach
Ukraine and Georgia have faced years of political tension linked to differing positions on Russia’s war against Ukraine and accusations from Georgian Dream politicians that Kyiv wanted to open a “second front” in the region.
Kobakhidze and other members of Georgia’s ruling party were sanctioned by Ukraine in 2024, while diplomatic relations remained strained for years afterward.
Zelenskyy said his brief one-on-one exchange with the Georgian prime minister was a necessary step forward.
“We also spoke a little one-on-one with the Georgian prime minister for the first time in a long time. I believe this is also the right thing to do,” he said.
Armenia visit
The Ukrainian leader also highlighted the symbolic importance of his visit to Armenia, describing it as the first trip at that level in 24 years.
According to European Pravda, Zelenskyy viewed the visit as part of a wider effort to deepen political engagement across the region as Ukraine seeks stronger international backing.
Sources: UKRAINSKA PRAVDA, European Pravda, ICTV
