The politician emphasized the significance of this Summit for Ukraine, noting that historically, Russia has been very aggressive in the Balkans, leveraging propaganda and an intelligence network to sway the region in its favor. At the same time, according to the MP, each regional international Summit increasingly brings countries around the world together in support of Ukraine.
“We continue to strengthen cooperation with the Balkan countries and explain to our partners: if Ukraine loses this war, the next targets will be the Baltic and Balkan countries. The Ukraine – Southeast European countries Summit is fostering a more strategic partnership and support, and the leaders of this region realize that without Ukraine's victory, the Balkans will face genuine destabilization,” noted Arseniy Pushkarenko.
He also pointed out that our partners understand that Ukraine's victory will bring stability to all of Europe. Specifically, at the third summit, among other leaders in the region, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić consistently reaffirms support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This, as the politician highlighted, is a consensus position among the countries of the Balkan Peninsula.
“Moreover, several countries in the region remain candidates for EU membership, such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Ukraine should become a leader in the future expansion of the European Union. After all, our common future lies within the European family!” – emphasized Arseniy Pushkarenko.