The interview comes after the recent visit of a Ukrainian delegation to Belgrade, during which several cooperation agreements were signed. This was seen as an important signal of both countries' willingness to deepen relations despite the complex geopolitical circumstances and the war taking place in the ambassador’s home country.
Ambassador Oleksandr Litvinenko also discussed the current state of relations between the two countries, the consequences of Russian aggression, the role of the European Union, prospects for enlargement, and what European integration means for the citizens of Ukraine and Serbia.
Enormous potential for developing relations
Last week, Serbia hosted a delegation from Ukraine, during which several cooperation agreements were signed, sending an important signal of both sides' readiness to deepen bilateral relations. How do you assess the current level of cooperation between Serbia and Ukraine, and where do you see the greatest potential for further strengthening cooperation?
"Unfortunately, relations between Ukraine and Serbia represent a very unusual situation.
On the one hand, we have enormous potential for developing those relations. On the other hand, our relations remain at a fairly low level.
Why?
First and foremost, because of political reasons. Ukraine has been severely affected by the war and Russian aggression. You saw that this week the whole of Ukraine, and Kyiv in particular, suffered a major attack by Russian missiles and drones.
In a single day alone, Russia used around one hundred missiles and six hundred drones against one city, Kyiv. Intermediate-range ballistic missiles known as ‘Oreshnik’ were also used. These are huge missiles with a range of approximately 5,000 kilometres, and they were deployed against the Ukrainian city of Bila Tserkva. You know, there is a place in Serbia with a similar name.
It was truly a terrible attack. Many people suffered. More than thirty people were injured, and at least two women were killed.
It is a very strong signal that Russia, unfortunately, does not want to stop this war.
But to return to your question. The war has had a profound impact on Ukraine. Russia is very active in the Balkans. There are other obstacles as well. Nevertheless, in my opinion, we have significant room for progress, and we should make use of it.
First of all, there are excellent prospects for economic cooperation. Current trade turnover amounts to around 439 million dollars. That is very little for our two countries. Once we sign a free trade agreement, we will have an excellent opportunity to increase that figure by at least twofold.
There are also very promising and interesting prospects in the field of transport. I am not referring only to river transport. There is also air transport and even rail transport. I hope that Serbia and Hungary will eventually put that famous railway line into operation."
European integration
Asked about the potential for strengthening cooperation between Serbia and Ukraine, from trade and economic ties to infrastructure links, Ambassador Litvinenko emphasised that the European Union represents a natural framework within which the two countries can draw closer together.
As he noted, both Serbia and Ukraine share European aspirations, which is why, in his words, "it is entirely natural that we coordinate our activities".
The conversation then turned to the question of how the war in Ukraine has changed the very dynamics of European integration and whether Russian aggression has accelerated the enlargement process - not only for Ukraine but also for the countries of the Western Balkans.
"Unfortunately, the war and Russian aggression have destroyed the old formula and the old approach, in which reforms and economics were the primary focus.
Since the outbreak of the war and the rise of geopolitical competition, political, geopolitical and security issues have become far more important than they were ten or twelve years ago.
In that context, the enlargement process is no longer simply about extending the legal, humanitarian and economic space of European countries further east and south.
Today, it is a process of stabilising and strengthening the security of the countries neighbouring the European Union, as well as the European Union itself."
Ukraine has implemented numerous reforms in a relatively short period of time. Which lessons from that process could be important for Serbia? What message would you send to the Serbian Government?
"I cannot give advice, because Serbia is a sovereign state with a very rich tradition of statehood. I can only share my experience.
I would say that we must understand one thing. It is necessary to find a balance between value-based politics and a pragmatic approach.
We need to understand that the primary reason for European integration is the development of the country. But the second reason is necessity and the protection of the state’s interests.
How do you find that balance? It is possible, but it is an extremely difficult process that never truly ends. You can see that even countries that are already members of the European Union continue to struggle with these issues."
Dignity, freedom and a strong order
After discussing reforms, European integration and the geopolitical challenges Ukraine has faced since the beginning of Russian aggression, the most important question remains how all these changes affect the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
Despite the war and the security challenges, Ukraine has continued its process of reform and rapprochement with the European Union over the past several years.
Do the citizens of Ukraine, even under such difficult circumstances, feel tangible changes as a result of that process?
"In my opinion, European integration primarily means human dignity, an expansion of the space of freedom for every individual, and the creation of a very solid order.
Sometimes it may seem that such an order restricts freedom, especially among Slavic peoples, but that is not true.
It creates foundations that provide us with a far more stable and stronger framework for life - a life that is more predictable and easier to understand.
I hope that, after all the obstacles - or perhaps it is better to use the word ‘adventures’ - through which our countries have passed, we will ultimately become part of the European Union.
In the end, we will become part of a space of freedom. We will become part of a space of human dignity. We will become part of a space of development."
(EUpravo zato)