Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the fourth Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit in Odesa emphasized that Russia is the main source of threats to all Southeast European countries. He highlighted Russia’s attempts to destabilize the region, particularly Romania and Moldova, aiming to create chaos and strip countries of their sovereignty. Zelensky called for focusing on defense, unity, and development as key factors of resistance against Russian threats. He also thanked Serbia and President Vučić for their initiative to rebuild Ukrainian settlements. In a related article, the summit participants signed a declaration calling for increased sanctions on Russia, support for Ukraine, and the establishment of a special tribunal for Russian aggression crimes, with Serbia being the only country not to sign due to disagreement over sanctions.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the humanitarian impact of the Russian aggression and the importance of international solidarity with Ukraine. They highlight the need for strong sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The focus is on condemning Russian destabilization efforts and promoting diplomatic and economic measures to end the conflict.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the summit and statements by Zelensky and other leaders, focusing on the geopolitical implications for Southeast Europe. They present the summit’s outcomes, such as the declaration for sanctions and tribunal establishment, in a balanced manner, noting Serbia’s unique position of not signing the declaration. The narrative stresses the importance of regional security and cooperation.
Right: Right-leaning media often stress national sovereignty and caution against over-involvement in conflicts. They may highlight Serbia’s decision not to sign the sanctions declaration as a stance of independence and pragmatism. The narrative can include skepticism about the effectiveness of sanctions and emphasize the need for dialogue and political solutions rather than escalation.