The U.S. on Serbia’s attitude towards Ukraine: Kiev and Moscow are not equal, Russia is the aggressor

The U.S. Department of State welcomed Serbia’s invitation to resolve the crisis between Ukraine and Russia diplomatically, noting that Russia and Ukraine are not the same, but that Moscow is the aggressor, it was said for the Voice of America.

From official Belgrade it has heard on several occasions that Serbia is committed to a diplomatic solution to the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs  (SMFA) also pointed this out in a recent statement, stating that a possible conflict would have a negative impact on Belgrade’s foreign policy, “bearing in mind that we are two friendly and fraternal Slavic peoples.”

The SMFA also said that Serbia is not part of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“We welcome Serbia’s call for a diplomatic solution, and as President Biden said, Russia should choose diplomacy to avoid war between countries that are so historically and culturally close. The United States and NATO, as well as partners, are working hard to find a diplomatic solution and remain open to constructive and serious diplomacy, “the Department of State said.

It is also emphasized that “there is no equality between the behavior of Ukraine and Russia and that Russia is an aggressor towards Ukraine.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia also recommended its citizens not travel to Ukraine, and those who are already there to leave the country.

The State Department also reminds of the message of the President of the USA, Joe Biden, to the citizens of Russia.

“You are not our enemies. I do not believe you want a bloody, destructive war against Ukraine, the country and the people with whom you share deep family, historical and cultural ties.”

Tensions over Ukraine continue. Russia announced on Tuesday that it is starting to withdraw certain military units to the bases, because part of the military exercises has been completed. Western countries and NATO have said there is no evidence on the ground and that Russia is preparing an excuse to attack Ukraine.

In the conflict between Russia and Ukraine since 2014, Serbia has taken different positions.

After Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Serbia did not recognize Crimea as part of Russia. On the other hand, it did not join the EU economic sanctions imposed on Moscow due to the annexation of Crimea, and voted against several UN resolutions that state the violation of human rights in Crimea or condemn the annexation of that peninsula.

Volunteers from Serbia fought on the side of Russian separatists in Donbas, in eastern Ukraine.

Neither Russia nor Ukraine has recognized Kosovo’s independence.