BELGRADE: Serbia has announced to join a Ukraine-led Crimea platform and vows to support Kyiv in war against Russia, western media reported on Wednesday.
The development shows a major shift in Serbia’s foreign policy as it has been a key ally of Russia, the supplier of natural gas to the country.
Serbia Joins Crimea Platform, Vows Support to Ukraine
The decision comes a day after a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Athens.
In an online address to the forum, Serbia’s Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said Serbia is worried at the sufferings of Ukraine and Ukrainian people.
She called upon to uphold the principles of international law, territorial integrity and political independence of states,
The Crimea Platform was initiated by President Zelenskiy in 2021 with an objective of reintegrate Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.
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67 countries and organisations, including the United States, Great Britain, NATO and the European Union have joined the platform so far.
Serbia has been denouncing Russia’s war on Ukraine at the United Nations and other international forums but has rejected to impose any sanctions on Moscow.
Kyiv does not recognize Kosovo, which announced independence from Serbia in 2008. Belgrade, on the other hand, does not recognise Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and parts of Ukraine.
Serbia is highly dependent on natural gas supplies from Russia and have strong trade and military ties with Moscow. Serbia is also interested to join the European Union.
