Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic recently joined forces with leaders from several Southeastern European countries to address a pressing global issue.
On October 9, during the Ukraine-Southeastern Europe summit held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, they collectively signed a declaration condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
This agreement highlights a notable shift in Serbia’s foreign policy amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Key Players in the Declaration
The declaration, comprising 14 paragraphs, was signed not only by Vucic but also by a diverse group of leaders from the region.
Among them were Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Kosovo’s unrecognized President Vjosa Osmani, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, Slovenian President Natasa Pirc-Musar, and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Additionally, the document was endorsed by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Boryana Kristo, interim Bulgarian Prime Minister Dmitar Glavchev, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristian Mickoski, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Mihail Popšoi, Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita-Teodora Odobescu, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and European Commission Vice President Dubravka Šujca.
Condemnation of Aggression
The declaration unequivocally denounces Russia’s actions, labeling them as “unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal aggression against Ukraine.”
It asserts that these actions amount to a crime against the Ukrainian people and represent a significant violation of international law, posing a severe threat to global peace.
One of the key points made in the document is the necessity to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity, declaring the referenda held in March and September 2024 as invalid.
The leaders reaffirmed that regions such as Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia should return under the control of Kyiv.
Vucic’s Response on Sanctions
When pressed by Croatian journalists about the declaration’s stance on sanctions against Russia, President Vucic offered clarity.
He noted that the language in the declaration had been adjusted to indicate that countries are encouraged to align with EU measures rather than being obligated to impose sanctions.
“We support the territorial integrity of Ukraine… but at the same time, we will do without sanctions against the Russian Federation. This is the policy of the Republic of Serbia,” he emphasized, illustrating Serbia’s delicate balancing act in regional politics.
Adjustments to Military Assistance Language
The declaration also underwent modifications regarding assistance to Ukraine.
Notably, the term “military assistance” was removed from the text, suggesting a more cautious approach to how Serbia engages in the conflict.
Additionally, the wording concerning Crimea was softened, reflecting a diplomatic effort to navigate complex regional sentiments.
Vucic’s Relationship with Russia
Interestingly, this diplomatic shift comes after Vucic notably refrained from wishing Russian President Vladimir Putin a happy birthday this year—his first omission in eight years.
This detail underlines the evolving dynamics of Serbia’s foreign relations, particularly in the context of its historical ties with Russia.
A Glimpse at Vucic’s Political Journey
To understand this pivotal moment, it’s essential to look at Vucic’s political background.
He has served as the President of Serbia since 2017 and is a founding member of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
His political career began in the early 1990s with the far-right Serbian Radical Party (SRS).
After co-founding SNS in 2008, he rose to prominence, serving as the prime minister from 2014 to 2017 and later becoming president.
His legal background, coupled with his extensive political experience, shapes his current stance on international matters.
What Lies Ahead?
As Serbia navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, the implications of this declaration could have far-reaching effects not only for the region but also for its relations with Russia.
How Vucic balances these pressures while maintaining stability within Serbia will be closely watched in the coming months.