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Vučić reaffirms Serbia's support for Kyiv in surprise first Ukraine visit — Novaya Gazeta Europe
Vučić reaffirms Serbia's support for Kyiv in surprise first Ukraine visit — Novaya Gazeta Europe

Novaya Gazeta Europe

time01-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Novaya Gazeta Europe

Vučić reaffirms Serbia's support for Kyiv in surprise first Ukraine visit — Novaya Gazeta Europe

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić made a surprise first-ever visit to Ukraine for a regional summit on Wednesday, where he reaffirmed his support for the country's territorial integrity but stopped short of signing a declaration condemning Russian aggression. Speaking at the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in the port city of Odesa, Vučić suggested Serbia could participate in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine by rebuilding 'one or two cities or a smaller region' of the country, adding that Belgrade hoped to 'contribute something to the Ukrainian people without grand slogans'. He stressed that Ukraine could count on Serbia's support for its territorial integrity, particularly as Kyiv does not recognise the independence of Kosovo, which declared itself independent from Serbia in 2008 but is not recognised by Belgrade. While representatives of 11 southeastern European countries were invited to Wednesday's summit, officials from Pristina were not, a move Vučić hailed as a 'great gesture' by Ukraine towards Serbia. On the sidelines of the event, Vučić also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the two discussing 'mutual support on the path to the EU, bilateral cooperation, and Ukraine's reconstruction', Zelensky said. The Ukrainian president thanked Vučić for his attendance, saying that it was important for the Serbian leader to 'witness the war firsthand' during his visit and that Kyiv valued Belgrade's 'support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity'. Writing on Instagram, Vučić said he had used his speech at the summit to stress the 'growing need [for Russia and Ukraine] to intensify dialogue and to achieve peace swiftly' and advocate for the 'voice of diplomacy to be heard as loudly as possible'. However, the Serbian president was the only leader in attendance not to sign a declaration condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying that the document's call for further sanctions on Moscow was contrary to Belgrade's position. While Serbia has repeatedly affirmed its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it shares what many Serbs see as deep historical ties with Russia and has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow, partly due to its continuing dependence on Russian oil and gas.

'Won't Betray Russia': Vucic Defends Neutral Stance, Rejects Arms Supply To Ukraine
'Won't Betray Russia': Vucic Defends Neutral Stance, Rejects Arms Supply To Ukraine

Time of India

time12-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Time of India

'Won't Betray Russia': Vucic Defends Neutral Stance, Rejects Arms Supply To Ukraine

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has firmly rejected accusations that his recent visit to Ukraine marked a betrayal of Serbia's longstanding friendship with Russia. During the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Odessa, Vucic met with President Zelensky but refused to sign the final declaration condemning Russia and supporting Ukraine's NATO bid. He emphasized Serbia's commitment to neutrality and independent diplomacy, noting that he was the only leader at the summit to withhold endorsement. #aleksandarvucic #SerbiaRussia #UkraineSummit #geopolitics #SerbiaNeutral #ukraineconflict #ZelenskyVucic #BalkanDiplomacy Read More

Vucic offers to help rebuild Ukrainian cities, reaffirms support for Ukraine's territorial integrity
Vucic offers to help rebuild Ukrainian cities, reaffirms support for Ukraine's territorial integrity

Yahoo

time11-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

Vucic offers to help rebuild Ukrainian cities, reaffirms support for Ukraine's territorial integrity

During his visit to Ukraine on June 11, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said his country is ready to help rebuild one or two Ukrainian cities or regions. The one-day trip marked the Moscow-friendly Serbian leader's first official visit to Ukraine and a significant moment in his efforts to maintain a neutral stance in Russia's war against Ukraine while also advancing Serbia's EU accession aspirations. Speaking at the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa, Vucic said Serbia wants to go beyond political declarations and provide practical assistance to Ukraine. "I would like to take one or two cities or regions that we could rebuild. I think that would be very clear and noticeable to the Ukrainian people," he said. "We are ready to listen to you and see how we can help you." Vucic also reaffirmed Serbia's commitment to international law and the UN Charter, saying that this includes supporting the territorial integrity of states — a message the president described as important for Kyiv. "Ukraine can always count on Serbia's humanitarian and political support for its territorial integrity," he said. "We could be supportive in efforts to achieve a ceasefire." Vucic was one of the few European leaders to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9 — a move that drew criticism from EU officials. Serbian president also told reporters that he did not sign the declaration of the Odesa summit, adding that by doing so, he "did not betray Russia." Tensions between Belgrade and Moscow have risen in recent months after Russia's intelligence services accused Serbian defense firms on May 29 of indirectly supplying weapons to Ukraine. Vucic has denied those claims. Read also: Zelensky urges 'stronger' EU sanctions on Russia, lower oil price cap We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.

Participants of Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit support Kyiv's path to NATO
Participants of Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit support Kyiv's path to NATO

Yahoo

time11-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

Participants of Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit support Kyiv's path to NATO

Participants of the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit, held in Odesa on Wednesday 11 June, have confirmed their support for the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Kyiv and other countries in the region. Source: the summit declaration released by the press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda Details: The leaders of Ukraine and Southeast European states agreed that "NATO membership remains the best cost-effective security option for Ukraine". "We reaffirmed our support to the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of partners of the region. We support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership," the declaration reads. The summit participants also stated that neither Russia nor any other non-NATO state "has the right to veto the Alliance's enlargement". "In the same vein, we fully support Ukraine's right to choose its own security arrangements and decide its own future, free from outside interference," they added. Background: The fourth Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa has been attended in person by the leaders of Greece, Croatia and Montenegro, as well as President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, marking his first visit to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!

Serbian president says his country ready to take on reconstruction of one or two Ukrainian cities or regions
Serbian president says his country ready to take on reconstruction of one or two Ukrainian cities or regions

Yahoo

time11-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

Serbian president says his country ready to take on reconstruction of one or two Ukrainian cities or regions

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that his country is ready to participate in the reconstruction of one or two Ukrainian regions. Source: Vučić at the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa, as reported by European Pravda Details: During his speech, Vučić said that Serbia would remain committed to international law and the UN Charter in the context of supporting the territorial integrity of states, and this stance could be beneficial for Ukraine. "I can imagine that Ukrainian citizens are fed up with words about support and assistance to Ukraine," Vučić stated. He also said that Serbia might have been "helpful" in efforts to achieve a ceasefire but now wished to contribute in a more practical way. "I would like to take one or two cities or regions that we could help rebuild. I think this would be very clear and visible to the Ukrainian people, so they could receive concrete support," Vučić stated. He also emphasised that Ukraine can "always count" on Serbia's humanitarian aid and political support for its territorial integrity. "We are ready to listen to you and see how we can assist you," said the Serbian president. Background: This is Serbian President Vučić's first visit to Ukraine. Vučić follows pro-Russian policy, with Serbia remaining the only European country that has not imposed sanctions against Russia, despite pressure from the EU. Vučić justifies this by citing potential economic losses and domestic political considerations. Vučić, along with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, were the only European leaders to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on 9 May. [Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 – ed.] Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!

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