The Kremlin has accepted an apology from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić over what he described as a “technical error” and a “wrong vote” on a United Nations resolution concerning Ukraine. The resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly, reaffirms support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
“President Vučić’s swift response to Serbia’s accidental vote in favor of an anti-Russian UN resolution was well received in Moscow,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a press conference on Tuesday, 25 February, according to Interfax.
Peskov emphasized that Russia understood the vote as a genuine mistake. “Technical errors happen,” he added.
President Vučić acknowledged the voting error, explaining that Serbia should have abstained. “I apologize to our citizens. I take full responsibility for this mistake,” Vučić said in an address broadcast on Happy TV. He added that Serbia’s stance on respecting territorial integrity remained unchanged, regardless of the voting outcome.
Vučić reiterated Serbia’s neutral foreign policy approach, stating, “We do not believe in pandering to any power, whether Russian or American.” He also pointed out that Serbia had abstained from voting on a separate U.S.-backed resolution, aligning with its consistent position.
The resolution passed on 24 February with 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions. Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, supported the measure. However, Hungary, a member of the European Union, joined Russia and other nations in voting against it.
Serbia remains, alongside Turkey, the only EU candidate country that has not aligned with Brussels’ sanctions on Russia. Vučić highlighted that Serbia had managed to maintain its position under intense international pressure. “One, two, or three resolutions will not change Serbia’s stance,” Vučić stated.
While UN General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they are viewed as significant indicators of global opinion. Analysts note that Serbia’s unexpected vote drew attention given its traditionally close ties with Russia. The incident underscores the delicate balancing act Serbia faces as it navigates its EU aspirations and longstanding relationships with non-Western powers.
Meanwhile, a separate resolution proposed by the United States, which called for a swift end to the conflict but did not mention Ukraine’s territorial integrity, failed to secure enough votes in the General Assembly.
Russia, the United States, and their respective allies continue to vie for influence, with developments at the UN reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. For Serbia, the incident highlights the complexities of maintaining neutrality amid rising global divisions.
