Ukraine Seeks Support From Southeastern Europe Against Russian Aggression

• Zelenskyy proposes Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.

• Emphasis on EU and NATO membership for Ukraine and Western Balkans.

• Rama hosts Zelenskyy in solidarity against Russian aggression.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, prepare as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic walks during the summit of Southeastern European countries on

AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on an international tour, met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to discuss defense and political cooperation, support for the Peace Formula, and security agreements. Zelenskyy proposed backing Ukraine's pursuit of a just and lasting peace and organizing the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.

During the summit, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine and Western Balkan countries deserve EU and NATO membership, citing the security and economic benefits these alliances offer. He stressed the importance of international law and transparent processes for global stability.

Rama expressed pride in hosting Zelenskyy for a solidarity meeting against Russian aggression, highlighting the commitment of their democracies. Zelenskyy faces challenges on the battlefield, with 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers confirmed killed since the invasion. He acknowledged supply issues affecting the situation but emphasized Ukraine's resilience.

Ukraine has urged Western leaders to enhance joint weapon production, bolster air defenses, and impose stricter sanctions on Russia. NATO has ruled out sending troops to Ukraine, with several countries echoing this stance.

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Emphasis on EU and NATO membership for Ukraine and Western Balkans.

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Zelenskyy proposes Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.

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Rama hosts Zelenskyy in solidarity against Russian aggression.

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Ukraine urges joint weapon production and stricter sanctions on Russia.

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NATO rules out sending troops to Ukraine.

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Albania supports Ukraine with military aid and sanctions against Russia.

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Serbia refrains from aligning with EU sanctions due to Kremlin ties.

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Albania collaborates with the U.S. on UN resolutions against Russia.

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Zelenskyy acknowledges challenges on the battlefield and Ukraine's resilience.

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International attention on the region highlighted by U.S. Secretary of State's visit to Albania.

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Eleven southeastern European countries, including Ukraine's neighbors, attended the summit, with some participating online. The U.S. Secretary of State recently visited Albania, underscoring the international attention on the region.

While most countries support Ukraine, Serbia, a Kremlin ally, has refrained from aligning with EU sanctions and continues cooperation with Russia. In contrast, Albania, a NATO member and EU candidate, has backed Kyiv by providing military aid, shelter to refugees, and endorsing sanctions against Russia.

As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Albania has collaborated with the U.S. on resolutions condemning Russia's invasion. Zelenskyy emphasized the collective effort against Putin's aggression.