Serbia's President Vučić Refuses to Sign Odessa Summit Declaration, Offers Reconstruction Support for Ukraine
On June 11, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed that he had refrained from signing the declaration at the “Ukraine – Southeast Europe” summit held in Odessa, positioning this decision as an act of loyalty to Serbia's national interests, rather than a betrayal of Russia.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to European Pravda.
In his comments following the summit, Vučić stated that his participation in the event did not imply a shift in Serbia’s position toward Russia, despite claims in some Serbian media that suggested otherwise.
He was the only summit participant who declined to endorse the declaration, which unequivocally condemned Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and called on the international community to maintain and intensify sanctions against Moscow.
Vučić reiterated that Serbia remains steadfast in its commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter, and that its decisions would always prioritize the country's sovereignty and independence.
Despite not signing the declaration, Vučić offered Serbia’s practical support to Ukraine, particularly in the area of post-war reconstruction.
He proposed that Serbia could contribute by assisting in the rebuilding of one or two Ukrainian cities or regions that have been severely impacted by the conflict.
According to Vučić, such actions would provide tangible, visible assistance to Ukraine, addressing the people’s demand for more than just diplomatic statements of solidarity.
Vučić's visit to Ukraine marked his first official trip to the country. His decision to forgo signing the Odessa summit’s declaration highlights the ongoing complexity of Serbia’s diplomatic stance.
Despite pressure from the European Union, Serbia continues to avoid sanctions against Russia, citing economic concerns and internal political dynamics.
Vučić pro-Russian inclinations were also evident when he, along with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, was among the few European leaders attending Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in May.
Read more on The Gaze: Are Ukraine’s Allies Ready to Take Sanctions Against Russia to the Next Level in 2025?