Serbia refused to support a common position against Russia's aggression, adopted at the fourth Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit held in Odessa, BGNES reported.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić emphasized that he was the only head of state who did not sign the document, despite his participation in the forum.

“What and whom did I betray? Russia? With what? By coming to the meeting? This is the fourth time I have done so, and again I am the only one who did not accept the declaration, unlike those who would accept anything possible against Russia,” Vučić said, quoted by Serbian public television.

“I am proud of Serbia's policy. Of our independence, our autonomy. We will continue to act in this way in the future,” he added.

In the adopted “Odessa Declaration,” the countries of the region, including Bulgaria, represented by Prime Minister Rosen Plevneliev, strongly condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine. They insist on the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory and support Ukraine's membership in the European Union and NATO. The need for an international tribunal for war crimes is emphasized, and a willingness to participate in the country's reconstruction is expressed. Particular attention is paid to the importance of regional security, energy sustainability, cyber defense, and the fight against hybrid threats.

Among the signatories of the declaration are Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, Croatia, Romania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece.

Vucic's decision not to support the declaration confirms Belgrade's position as Russia's closest ally in the Balkans and the country's categorical refusal to impose sanctions against Moscow. | BGNES