Southeast European Leaders Back Ukraine, Serbia Keeps Its Distance
World
Leaders of Southeast European countries reaffirmed their support for Ukraine by signing the joint Kyiv Declaration. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić was the only participant who declined to sign the document, despite making his first visit to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began.
The declaration was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and representatives of Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Croatia and Montenegro. The document condemns Russia's invasion, pledges continued political, military and financial support for Ukraine, calls for increased pressure on Russia, and backs efforts to rebuild the country.
Although he attended the summit, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić declined to join the declaration. He stated that Serbia continues to support Ukraine's territorial integrity and provides financial, medical and energy assistance, but disagrees with several provisions of the document.
Vučić said the reasons for his decision would become clear after reviewing the declaration itself. The visit marked his first trip to Ukraine since February 2022.
Analysts note that Serbia continues to pursue a balanced foreign policy, maintaining relations with the European Union, the United States, Russia and China. Although Serbia is an EU candidate country, it remains, alongside Belarus, the only European state that has not imposed sanctions on Russia.
Although he attended the summit, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić declined to join the declaration. He stated that Serbia continues to support Ukraine's territorial integrity and provides financial, medical and energy assistance, but disagrees with several provisions of the document.
Vučić said the reasons for his decision would become clear after reviewing the declaration itself. The visit marked his first trip to Ukraine since February 2022.
Analysts note that Serbia continues to pursue a balanced foreign policy, maintaining relations with the European Union, the United States, Russia and China. Although Serbia is an EU candidate country, it remains, alongside Belarus, the only European state that has not imposed sanctions on Russia.
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