Discussion of the political situation in Serbia within the framework of the Diplomatic Front project
In February 2023, the Diplomatic Front project was launched at the initiative of Ihor Todorov, Professor of the Department of International Studies and Public Communications. It was organised by the Department of International Studies and Public Communications, the Centre for International Security and Euro-Atlantic Integration, and the European Union Information Centre of the Faculty of History and International Relations of UzhNU. Over the almost 2 years of implementation, about 20 meetings with Ukrainian diplomats and representatives of Ukraine in international organisations have taken place. This time, the speaker was Volodymyr Tolkach, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Serbia.
Ihor Todorov moderated the online meeting, so he began by welcoming the guest and introducing him. Afterwards, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary joined the conversation and in his opening remarks touched upon issues related to Serbia's policy and its attitude towards Ukraine. He said that the reasons for Russian aggression are becoming less and less clear to Serbs. Their position has slowly but surely changed in our favour since the full-scale invasion. The ambassador noted that for some reason Serbia's policy cannot distance itself from the policy of the aggressor country. However, it continues to help Ukraine, and this support is mainly aimed at humanitarian needs. ‘Last year, Serbia provided 52 million in financial assistance to Ukraine. Before that, we received assistance through international organisations. And in the same year, only on the initiative of the First Lady, we managed to get five thousand computers to provide children with distance learning,’ says Volodymyr Tolkach. In his opinion, the interaction between the First Ladies of Ukraine and Serbia contributes to the improvement of diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Belgrade.
Turning to material assistance, the ambassador added that €8.4 million worth of equipment is currently expected from the Balkan state to support and repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The country has also provided a leading refugee centre that can accommodate up to two hundred people. It was recognised as one of the best in terms of organisation and living conditions.
The second stage of the meeting was held in a question-and-answer format, so everyone could ask questions to Volodymyr Tolkach and get answers from the perspective of his many years of experience. In particular, the discussion focused on Serbia's foreign and domestic policy. The discussion covered the dynamics of Ukrainian-Serbian relations in the international arena, the potential accession of Kosovo to the EU and the current situation in the country in connection with student protests, as well as the consequences that the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic may have.
They also discussed the national minorities with whom the embassy cooperates. In particular, they include Rusyns and ethnic Ukrainians. The ambassador noted that they are encouraged to attend Ukrainian schools and educational institutions.
Volodymyr Tolkach also shared that he had an idea to introduce a graphic exhibition of ethnic clothing, including costumes, embroidered shirts, etc., so that Serbs could see the similarities between our cultures.
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