Serbia Pledges Ukraine Aid, Sidesteps Calls for Tougher Russia Action

Serbia has pledged more humanitarian aid to Ukraine but stopped short of supporting a regional call for tougher measures against Russia.

The announcement came during Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's visit to Kyiv, his first since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The visit highlighted Serbia's careful diplomatic approach as it tries to maintain strong ties with the European Union and Russia.

While Belgrade reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's sovereignty, it avoided joining a declaration that called for increased pressure on Moscow.

• Serbia increases humanitarian aid to Ukraine while avoiding tougher Russia measures
• Serbia backs Ukraine reconstruction but stays neutral on sanctions against Russia
• Vučić visits Kyiv as Serbia balances ties with Ukraine Russia and the EU

Serbia Commits More Humanitarian Aid

At the Southeastern Europe-Ukraine Summit in Kyiv, Vučić said Serbia would increase its humanitarian support for Ukraine. The assistance will include financial aid, medical supplies, support for the energy sector, and help rebuild a town or region damaged by the war.

He said contributing to Ukraine's reconstruction would be Serbia's most meaningful way of supporting the country. Vučić also reiterated that Serbia respects Ukraine's internationally recognised borders and territorial integrity.

However, Serbia did not sign the summit's joint declaration, which urged greater military support for Ukraine and stronger international pressure on Russia. Vučić said the decision was made in line with Serbia's national interests and its long-standing foreign policy.

Serbia remains one of the few European countries seeking European Union membership while refusing to impose sanctions on Russia.

Balancing Regional and Global Interests

Belgrade has continued to walk a diplomatic tightrope since the war began. Russia remains an important energy partner for Serbia, and the country depends heavily on Russian natural gas. Those ties have made it difficult for the Serbian government to fully align with Western policies on Moscow.

Even so, Serbia has consistently supported Ukraine's territorial integrity and has provided humanitarian assistance throughout the conflict. Vučić said Serbia wants to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine while continuing its policy of military neutrality and maintaining balanced international relations.

The visit also comes at a time when Vučić is facing political pressure at home, including anti-government protests and speculation about early elections. His trip to Kyiv is seen as an effort to strengthen Serbia's regional engagement without changing its overall foreign policy.

Leaders attending the Southeastern Europe-Ukraine Summit reaffirmed their support for Ukraine as the war continues. Most participating countries backed a declaration calling for stronger support for Kyiv and increased pressure on Russia, but Serbia chose not to endorse the document.

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Despite that decision, Ukrainian officials welcomed Serbia's commitment to provide additional humanitarian aid and support reconstruction efforts. The pledge is expected to strengthen Serbia-Ukraine relations, even as Serbia continues to maintain its delicate balance between East and West.