Serbian Head Endorses Ukraine, Signs Support Document
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has asserted that he played a key role in softening a pro-Kiev declaration that he signed in Croatia on Wednesday. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic asserts that he successfully moderated a pro-Ukrainian declaration that he signed on behalf of Serbia during a Ukraine-South East Europe summit in Croatia this week.
Vucic participated in the third gathering of its kind, held in the coastal city of Dubrovnik on Wednesday, which brought together 15 attendees. The final statement denounces Russia for its "unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine."
As a traditional ally of Russia, Serbia is seeking EU membership and faces pressure from Brussels to align its foreign policy with that of the European bloc. The Serbian government has refrained from endorsing Western sanctions against Russia, which EU officials identify as a significant hurdle to Serbia's accession.
During a press conference in Dubrovnik, Vucic responded to inquiries about his signature on the anti-Russian document by denying any attempt to "sit on two chairs." He contended that his participation in the event was an opportunity to elevate the Serbian voice on the international stage and influence the final statement.
Vucic indicated that the draft declaration was amended after he expressed that he would not attend the summit otherwise. He revealed that four points concerning sanctions and the coordination of national Ukraine policies with Brussels were modified.
For instance, the statement from Dubrovnik refers to Vladimir Zelensky’s peace formula as "one of the proposed plans" for resolving the conflict, in contrast to its original characterization as "the only plan." Additionally, Vucic reportedly altered the language regarding signatories’ "obligation to give military aid to Ukraine" and the requirement to impose sanctions on Russia.
Moscow has not publicly commented on the conference in Croatia. During the meeting, Zelensky advocated for his 'victory plan' against Russia, asserting that "the situation on the battlefield creates an opportunity to make this choice – a choice in favor of decisive action to end the war no later than 2025."
Zelensky had previously presented this proposal to US President Joe Biden, which seemingly calls for NATO-like security guarantees, Western permission to attack deep inside Russia with provided weaponry, among other stipulations.
Ukrainian forces have faced significant challenges at the front in recent months, notably losing the long-held fortress of Ugledar last week. Reports suggest a substantial Russian offensive is currently underway against Ukraine’s troops in Russia’s Kursk Region, which Ukraine invaded in August.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
Vucic participated in the third gathering of its kind, held in the coastal city of Dubrovnik on Wednesday, which brought together 15 attendees. The final statement denounces Russia for its "unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine."
As a traditional ally of Russia, Serbia is seeking EU membership and faces pressure from Brussels to align its foreign policy with that of the European bloc. The Serbian government has refrained from endorsing Western sanctions against Russia, which EU officials identify as a significant hurdle to Serbia's accession.
During a press conference in Dubrovnik, Vucic responded to inquiries about his signature on the anti-Russian document by denying any attempt to "sit on two chairs." He contended that his participation in the event was an opportunity to elevate the Serbian voice on the international stage and influence the final statement.
Vucic indicated that the draft declaration was amended after he expressed that he would not attend the summit otherwise. He revealed that four points concerning sanctions and the coordination of national Ukraine policies with Brussels were modified.
For instance, the statement from Dubrovnik refers to Vladimir Zelensky’s peace formula as "one of the proposed plans" for resolving the conflict, in contrast to its original characterization as "the only plan." Additionally, Vucic reportedly altered the language regarding signatories’ "obligation to give military aid to Ukraine" and the requirement to impose sanctions on Russia.
Moscow has not publicly commented on the conference in Croatia. During the meeting, Zelensky advocated for his 'victory plan' against Russia, asserting that "the situation on the battlefield creates an opportunity to make this choice – a choice in favor of decisive action to end the war no later than 2025."
Zelensky had previously presented this proposal to US President Joe Biden, which seemingly calls for NATO-like security guarantees, Western permission to attack deep inside Russia with provided weaponry, among other stipulations.
Ukrainian forces have faced significant challenges at the front in recent months, notably losing the long-held fortress of Ugledar last week. Reports suggest a substantial Russian offensive is currently underway against Ukraine’s troops in Russia’s Kursk Region, which Ukraine invaded in August.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
