Serbia Backs Ukraine’s Borders With ‘No Buts’

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has declared his country’s unconditional support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, stating there are “no ‘buts’” regarding the issue, during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Belgrade. Speaking on Saturday, according to Ukrinform, Vučić emphasized that Serbia strictly adheres to the UN Charter and its resolutions.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “This means the territorial integrity of all UN members, which means the territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Vučić said. “From our side, we will continue this principled policy – there are no ‘buts’ in this matter. I say this very clearly and decisively now, just as I have said it before.” Vučić also thanked Kyiv for its reciprocal support of Serbia’s territorial integrity. During the visit, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the field of animal health and food safety. The document was signed by Serbia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Dragan Glamočić, and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Serbia, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, in the presence of both presidents. Vucic also expressed his hope that Ukraine would open and close all negotiation chapters on the path to EU accession as quickly as possible and assured Ukraine of Serbia’s support. The Serbian president noted that he had discussed Serbia’s and Ukraine’s European paths with President Zelensky and assured Ukraine of Serbia’s support in this regard. Other Topics of Interest Pentagon Removes General Overseeing Ukraine Military Support The Pentagon has prematurely relieved Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commander of the US 5th Army Corps, which coordinates US operations in Europe and military support for Ukraine. “We do not comment on anyone’s stagnation or progress on this path, simply because we have not been able to open certain chapters. We want Ukraine to open and close all negotiation clusters as quickly as possible, because that is the desire of the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian leadership,” Vučić said. He also promised that Serbia would do “everything it can” to help Ukraine on its European path. Vucic does not believe the war in Ukraine will end soon Aleksandar Vučić also stated that he does not believe the war launched by Russia against Ukraine will end anytime soon. According to European Pravda, Vucic noted that the entire international community, including Serbia, would like to see an end to this war as soon as possible. “But if you ask me as a political veteran, I’ll tell you that I’m not sure about that. I’m very afraid that we’re in for a very difficult winter – especially for Ukrainians,” the Serbian president said. At the same time, he expressed hope that this war would end as soon as possible. “But I don’t see a way for that to happen,” Vučić added. Serbia will provide Ukraine with a humanitarian aid package Serbia will provide Ukraine with a humanitarian aid package that will include support in the fields of medicine and energy. “We are grateful that there will be a new package of humanitarian aid from Serbia for Ukraine, particularly in the fields of medicine and energy. This is very important to us,” Zelensky said. He also noted that the issue of Ukraine’s recovery was discussed during talks with Vučić. In particular, the president reported that an agreement had been reached for Serbia to provide assistance to one Ukrainian city. “There was a proposal to help with one city. Our teams worked through the night, and we’ve already returned with a plan. I am very pleased with the president’s positive response. Thank you, Serbia.” Zelensky’s first official visit to Serbia Zelensky arrived in Belgrade on Friday, Aug. 7, marking his first official visit to Serbia. In addition to his talks with Vučić, Zelensky was scheduled to meet with Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut to discuss strengthening diplomatic and bilateral ties. “Ukraine is always ready to work constructively, for mutual benefit, and on the basis of mutual respect,” Zelensky stated upon his arrival. Complex ties with Moscow Vučić’s declaration of support for Ukraine’s borders comes despite Serbia remaining one of the few European countries that has refused to join Western sanctions against Russia following the 2022 full-scale invasion. Belgrade has maintained close ties with Moscow, driven by shared historical ties and Serbia’s reliance on discounted Russian gas. Vučić is also among a small number of European leaders who have continued to travel to the Russian capital. Serbia’s domestic political landscape also presents a complex backdrop for the visit. Often described by critics as a “hybrid regime” or a “flawed democracy,” the country has seen massive student-led protests in recent years over alleged government corruption and creeping authoritarian tendencies, despite holding regular multiparty elections. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.