Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic expressed support for Ukraine in its war against Russia after a meeting with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, but did not commit to sanctions against Moscow, reports "Reuters".
Serbia has repeatedly condemned Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but its refusal to join international sanctions has soured relations with Kiev.
Kuleba's two-day visit to Belgrade with First Lady Olena Zelenska is his first visit to Serbia since the beginning of the war.
"Serbia is committed to respecting international law and the territorial integrity of UN member states, including Ukraine. We are open to friendly discussions on all issues and at all levels," assured Vucevic.
Serbia's populist president Aleksandar Vucic is trying to find a balance between the country's bid for the European Union and traditional ties with Russia and China.
Support for Russia among the Serbian population is strong and is the result of historical, religious, political and military ties. Pro-Russian content is widely distributed on social media.
Belgrade recognizes Ukraine in its entirety, including the territories occupied by Russian forces. In turn, Kiev refuses to recognize the independence of Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008.
Since 2022, Serbia has accepted Ukrainian refugees, sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine and pledged to support it in its post-war reconstruction efforts.
At a mental health conference in Belgrade, Zelenska pointed out that 77% of Ukrainians experience mental stress because of the war.
"Our job is to provide a generation of winners, not only on the battlefield, but also on the battlefield for our own mental well-being," she stressed at the event she co-hosted with Serbia's first lady Tamara Vucic.
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