Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has apologized to his nation after the country voted in favor of a United Nations resolution reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Monday, the UN General Assembly passed an amended resolution calling for peace with 93 votes in favor, 73 states in abstention and eight votes against.
Serbia abstained on the original US version of the resolution – which mourned the loss of life on both sides of the conflict – but voted for the final amended European draft – which reaffirms Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Speaking on the country’s TV Happy on Monday, pro-Russian Vučić said: “I think Serbia made a mistake today. I apologize to the citizens for that and I bear the blame probably because I am tired and burdened and can’t get to everything.”
Vučić has been under mounting pressure since November when 15 people were killed in a roof collapse at a newly-renovated train station which led to nationwide demonstrations and the resignation of the prime minister.
Although Serbia has been a candidate country to join the EU since 2012, Vučić has ignored the bloc’s call to impose sanctions on Russia and his government still maintains friendly relations with the Kremlin.
Later on Monday the spokesman of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov said Russia accepted Vučić’s apology.
"Of course, we heard, of course, we accepted. Of course, technical errors happen and, of course, we are very impressed by such a quick reaction of the head of state," Peskov told reporters.
Russia and Serbia have a three-year gas supply contract which expires in March 2025.
Serbia abstained on the original US version of the resolution – which mourned the loss of life on both sides of the conflict – but voted for the final amended European draft – which reaffirms Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Speaking on the country’s TV Happy on Monday, pro-Russian Vučić said: “I think Serbia made a mistake today. I apologize to the citizens for that and I bear the blame probably because I am tired and burdened and can’t get to everything.”
Vučić has been under mounting pressure since November when 15 people were killed in a roof collapse at a newly-renovated train station which led to nationwide demonstrations and the resignation of the prime minister.
Although Serbia has been a candidate country to join the EU since 2012, Vučić has ignored the bloc’s call to impose sanctions on Russia and his government still maintains friendly relations with the Kremlin.
Later on Monday the spokesman of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov said Russia accepted Vučić’s apology.
"Of course, we heard, of course, we accepted. Of course, technical errors happen and, of course, we are very impressed by such a quick reaction of the head of state," Peskov told reporters.
Russia and Serbia have a three-year gas supply contract which expires in March 2025.
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