Serbian President Vučić Backtracks on Support for Ukraine in UN Vote

• Feb 25, 2025

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić issued an apology to citizens on Monday after Serbia voted in favor of a United Nations resolution advocating for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

"I think Serbia made a mistake today. I apologize to the citizens for that. I take full responsibility because I am probably exhausted and overwhelmed," Vučić stated in an interview with Serbian broadcaster Happy Television on Monday evening.

The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution, which was backed by European nations, calling for an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Serbia was among the 93 countries that supported the measure, while 18 opposed it and 65 abstained. Russia and the United States both voted against the resolution. Later that day, the U.S. joined Russia in supporting a UN Security Council resolution calling for a "swift end" to the war but without explicitly naming Russia as the aggressor or reaffirming Ukraine's territorial integrity. Serbia, along with five European Security Council members, did not support that measure.

Vučić explained that Serbia should have maintained a neutral stance by abstaining from the European-backed resolution, as it had with the U.S.-led measure.

"Regarding the American resolution, we voted as we should have—we abstained. In my opinion, we should have done the same with the European resolution," he said. "I understand that this stance may cost me political favor in the EU, but I firmly believe Serbia should have abstained."

In response to Vučić's remarks, the Kremlin acknowledged and accepted Serbia’s retraction.

"Of course, we heard it—and of course, we accepted it. Technical mistakes do happen, and such a prompt response from the head of state is appreciated," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday.

Serbia has traditionally maintained strong ties with Russia, based on historical, cultural, and religious connections, as well as economic cooperation, particularly in energy. Despite growing international pressure since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Serbia has avoided imposing sanctions on Moscow, attempting instead to balance its relationships with both Russia and the European Union.

Following the vote, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed gratitude to the nations that supported the European-backed resolution.

"Ukraine and the broader international community will take note of those who stood by us," he said.

"Standing up for the truth is not always easy, but truth ultimately shapes history. We appreciate the 93 UN Member States that supported our resolution, its commitment to justice, and the pursuit of a lasting peace," Sybiha added.