Ukraine seeks arms from Balkan countries at summit in Albania

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promoted his idea Wednesday of joint arms production to support a vision for peace.

''We are interested in co-production with you and all our partners. Our governmental team will present the details. We propose to hold a special Ukraine-Balkans Defense Industry Forum in Kyiv, or in one of your capitals,'' Zelenskyy said at the two-day Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit with the leaders of Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Moldova and Romania in the Albanian capital of Tirana.

He said about 500 defense companies are operating in Ukraine in different areas.

''Each of them adds strength. But it is not enough to win over (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. We see the problems with the supply of ammunition, which are affecting the situation on the battlefield,'' said Zelenskyy.

On the sidelines of the summit, Zelenskyy met Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Zelenskyy and Rama signed a cooperation agreement.

Vucic said after the meeting that Ukraine is one of the few countries that can talk about territorial integrity.

''I believe that we will continue to build friendly relationships with Ukraine that has not recognized Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence,'' said Vucic.

NATO members Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Romania joined Western sanctions against Russia and sent arms and equipment to Ukraine.

Serbia and Croatia have significant arms industries in the region.

But Serbia refuses to impose sanctions on Russia.