INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Serbian President Aleksandar Vu?i?, who maintains strong ties with Moscow, made his first visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022 on
Wednesday and said he supported the country's "territorial integrity."The Balkan nation with close historical links to Russia has maintained
an official policy of neutrality throughout Moscow's three-year offensive on Ukraine and has denied arming either side.But in recent days,
Russia accused Serbian arms companies of "trying to stab Russia in the back" by selling munitions to Ukraine.Vu?i? took part in a summit
hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Black Sea port of Odesa that gathered leaders from several countries across
southeastern Europe."What I can say on behalf of my country is that Serbia will remain very firm and steadfast on observing the UN Charter,
international public law, which includes protection of territorial integrity of UN-recognized countries as the most important principle,"
Vu?i? said.Moscow occupies large swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine.Just weeks before that, Vu?i? joined the 80th anniversary
celebrations on Moscow's Red Square for Russia's victory over Nazi Germany.Serbia and Ukraine have neither confirmed nor denied that Kyiv
uses Serbian munitions.Vu?i? has attempted to walk a tightrope between traditional ally Russia and Serbia's desire to join the European
Union, which is one of Ukraine's main backers in the war against invading Russian forces.Both Serbia and Russia share a dislike and distrust
of NATO, particularly since the defense organization carried out bombardments on Serbian troops in 1999 during the Kosovo War.Despite
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Serbia refuses to cut ties with Moscow, despite voting against its long-standing ally at the United
Nations.Belgrade is highly dependent on cheap gas it buys from Russia.
