At a time when the leaders of Southeast Europe, gathered in Kyiv, were displaying their unity in support of increased backing for Ukraine and greater pressure on Moscow, one voice stood out: that of Serbia.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić refused to associate himself with initiatives directed against Russia by refusing to sign the final declaration of the fifth regional summit.
The final text called, in particular, for stricter sanctions against Moscow, continued military, financial, and security aid to Kyiv, and the strengthening of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration. Serbia chose not to endorse these commitments.
Belgrade's diplomatic stance towards Moscow has resonated widely within Serbian politics. Since its announcement, several officials have praised President Aleksandar Vučić's decision.
"We will not impose any sanctions on Russia and we will not join the EU military coalition aimed at confronting our brothers," said Aleksandar Vulin, former deputy prime minister and current leader of the Serbian Socialist Movement.
It should be noted that this position is not unprecedented. At the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit held in Odessa in 2025, the Serbian head of state refused to sign a similar declaration.
Cheick Omar Ouedraogo
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