Litvynenko: Ukraine continues to support Serbia's territorial integrity

Ukrainian Ambassador to Belgrade Oleksandr Litvynenko stated today that Kyiv remains firmly committed to the principle of territorial integrity and that Ukraine will continue to support Serbia's territorial integrity, RTV reports.

"Whether it is Serbia, Ukraine, or any other country, every state should function within its internationally recognized borders. That is our position. Of course, various arguments can be made, but our position is entirely consistent. We recognize Serbia's territorial integrity, just as we are fighting for our own territorial integrity," Litvynenko told Tanjug.

Asked about the recent visit of Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, to Belgrade, as well as Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's visit to Kyiv, Litvynenko described both visits as important developments and significant steps toward strengthening bilateral relations, adding that there remains considerable room for further cooperation.

"We have tremendous potential in the fields of economy, culture, and many other areas of international relations. President Aleksandar Vučić's visit to Kyiv is strong evidence that there is both a plan and a willingness to engage in dialogue. Naturally, we do not agree on every issue. For example, Ukraine would welcome Serbia's decision to impose sanctions on Russia, but, of course, that is your sovereign decision. We are grateful for Serbia's assistance in the energy sector, its humanitarian support, and its efforts to help Ukrainian children recover from the effects of war. It is extremely important for children and young people from regions near the front line to spend time free from air raid sirens, drones, and missile attacks, and to spend several weeks in your beautiful country. For that, we are sincerely grateful," the Ambassador said.

He recalled that President Vučić had invited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Serbia and expressed hope that the Ukrainian President would travel to Serbia within the coming months.

Litvynenko also said that the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow has entered a new phase, noting that Ukraine's ability to strike targets deep inside Russia has increased, while emphasizing that Ukraine's foremost objective remains the achievement of peace.

"Today, Russia once again attacked Kyiv, using the largest number of ballistic missiles in a single strike to date. Dozens of missiles—perhaps as many as forty—were launched in one attack alone. One person was killed, and at least seven were injured. I do not yet know the final casualty figures, but they are likely to be significant," Litvynenko said.

He assessed that the war has now entered a new phase, with Ukraine substantially expanding its capability to strike targets deep behind Russian lines.

"For example, a few days ago we struck a Russian oil refinery located more than two thousand kilometres behind the front line. At the same time, we continue to hold our defensive positions along a front that has remained relatively stable for nearly three years, essentially since 2023. The Russians have achieved limited territorial gains, but at a very high cost," he said.

The Ambassador stressed that Ukraine's overriding goal is to achieve peace, arguing that the Russian leadership has no intention of ending the war.

"The reality is simple: if President Putin makes the decision, the fighting stops immediately. However, he and his regime do not wish to do so. We have therefore sought to compel them to make that decision. What are the Ukrainian Armed Forces doing? We are working to destroy Russia's energy and fuel infrastructure, disrupt its logistics systems, and reduce its military-industrial production capacity. In that sense, the war has already reached deep into Russian territory—not only border regions such as Belgorod or Kursk, but deep inside the Russian Federation," Litvynenko said.

He added that Ukraine has no alternative but to compel Russia to end the war.

"Ukraine does not seek territory. Ukraine wants nothing other than to stop the killing and destruction. What can we do? We are trying to compel Russia to make peace by extending the reach of our operations inside Russian territory. How does the Russian Federation respond? By escalating its attacks and using an increasing number of ballistic missiles against peaceful civilian cities," Litvynenko said, according to RTV.

He added that Ukraine has appealed to its international partners to help protect and secure its airspace.

"Russia launches dozens of missiles every day. Ukraine's air defence is highly effective, intercepting nearly 90 to 95 percent of drones and cruise missiles. However, we simply do not have sufficient interceptors for ballistic missiles. That remains our principal request to our partners. We tell them: 'Provide us with Patriot systems, and we will be able to secure our airspace,'" Litvynenko said.

He further noted that successful peace negotiations require willingness on both sides.

"Ukraine has that willingness. I have serious doubts about Russia's intentions. Nevertheless, I believe that Ukraine's strategy of striking deep inside Russian territory will produce results and that both the Russian public and the Russian political elite will eventually realize that this war is a terrible tragedy and that it must be brought to an end immediately. There is one simple way for Ukraine to stop these deep strikes inside Russia: end the war. Ukraine was not the party that attacked Russia before this war began," Litvynenko said.

Asked about the dismissal of Ukrainian minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Litvynenko replied that, under Ukraine's Constitution, President Zelenskyy has the authority to appoint and dismiss ministers.

"He has the constitutional authority to do so. I believe there are sound reasons behind the decision, aimed at ensuring greater effectiveness in that area. On the other hand, I know Mykhailo Fedorov personally. He is highly capable and still very young—around thirty-five years old. Just think how much time he still has ahead of him. He has already served successfully as a minister for six years and has transformed our communications and information systems in a truly remarkable way," Litvynenko concluded.