Eight Central European states form C8 bloc at first Carpathian summit, vow solidarity against Russia

At the inaugural Carpathian summit, leaders of Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary affirmed regional solidarity against the Russian threat. Polish PM Tusk emphasized that the threat is shared by all, signaling a new regional alignment. The formation of the C8, including traditionally neutral Austria and pro-Russian Serbia, marks a notable diplomatic realignment in Central Europe.