Serbia navigates diplomatic tightrope amid UN resolution vote
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić admitted on Monday that Belgrade made a mistake by supporting the UN resolution concerning Ukraine that day. Moments later, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova addressed them in their native language.
The UN General Assembly adopted the Ukrainian resolution condemning Russian aggression and the American resolution, which included amendments submitted by Poland, among others, defining the war as a Russian invasion.
"Belgrade's mistake". The president apologizes
93 countries supported the Ukrainian resolution, 18 voted against it, and 65 abstained. Among those who opposed it were the United States and Russia, while China chose not to cast a vote.
Serbia supported the Ukrainian resolution. – I think Serbia made a mistake today, I apologize to the citizens for that – said President Vučić in an interview with Happy TV. He also added that they should not pander to either side.
During the vote on the American resolution, Belgrade abstained, which Vučić deemed a "correct decision". Referring to Russia's war with Ukraine, the Serbian president also stated that his country has been in "the most difficult possible situation" for three years.
Serbia between a rock and a hard place
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on Belgrade's "mistake".
She expressed confidence in the loyalty of the Serbian people, stating that their reactions reflect care and support. She emphasized feeling the strong connection with the Serbian nation and vowed to persevere, asserting that victory would come, as neo-Nazism must be stopped.
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Serbia has taken in thousands of Ukrainian refugees, repeatedly condemned Russia's aggression, and sent humanitarian aid to Kyiv. At the same time, Belgrade maintains close relations with Moscow and has not joined the EU sanctions against Russia, even though Serbia is officially a candidate for the EU.
Brussels has repeatedly urged Belgrade to align its foreign policy with EU standards.
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