At the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit, held in Kiev, Serbia refused to sign the joint statement condemning Russian aggression.
The declaration approved by the participants envisages the continuation of political, military and economic support for Ukraine, increased pressure on Russia and cooperation in the reconstruction of the war-torn country.
The document was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and representatives of Albania, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bulgaria.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that Serbia supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but did not sign the document, stressing that this was in defense of Serbia’s national interests.
The Serbian political leadership has consistently avoided openly condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, refusing to align with the European Union’s foreign policy and impose sanctions against Russia.
Serbia opened accession negotiations with the EU in 2014, but since 2021 the process has remained at a standstill, without opening new negotiating chapters.
