The war in Ukraine, the security of the European continent, and opportunities for stronger links between European countries are issues that transcend national borders and directly affect the future of the entire region. In such circumstances, EU support for Ukraine, the development of regional initiatives, and the enhancement of cooperation among states are becoming increasingly vital.
In an interview with EUpravo Zato, Ukrainian Ambassador to Serbia Oleksandr Litvinenko speaks about the difficult situation in his country, the consequences of attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, and the necessity of achieving a long-term, stable, and just peace.
How would you describe the current situation in Ukraine?
"The situation is extremely difficult. Russia has significantly altered its strategy and is striving to weaken Ukraine as much as possible. Attacks are targeted at our infrastructure, including the energy sector, telecommunication systems, and supply chains.
The greatest consequence of these attacks is that the daily lives of millions of people are made even harder. People are suffering more and more, and every day brings dozens of casualties. The situation is terrible. Ukraine needs peace as soon as possible, but it must be a long-term, stable, and at least partially just peace. We do not need merely a temporary respite, but a solution that will enable our citizens to live without constant fear and uncertainty."
Carpathian Integration Initiative
Regional cooperation represents one way to improve connectivity among European countries and foster their development. The Carpathian Initiative brings together eight European nations, including Serbia, aiming to create an additional platform for communication and joint development.
What is the main goal of this initiative, and what do you expect it to achieve?
"The goal is simple and pragmatic: we want to create an additional platform for communication, cooperation, and the development of this region.
The Carpathians are an exceptionally beautiful part of Europe, with majestic mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. However, the potential of this area has not yet been fully harnessed.
We want to help all countries in the Carpathian area jointly develop the region, improve mutual connectivity, and open up new opportunities for their citizens and economy. The Carpathian region should be viewed as a whole. It functions as a system, which is why its development must also be systematic. This initiative represents precisely that kind of approach to solving shared problems.
It is also important that we aim to involve European partners in a broader sense, rather than relying solely on European financial resources. We want more cooperation, exchange of knowledge, business contacts, and concrete joint projects."
What new opportunities can this initiative bring to Serbia? Are there specific areas in which Serbia and Ukraine could cooperate more closely?
"This initiative provides Serbia with an additional opportunity to develop international cooperation, attract investment, and connect its economy with partners from other European countries. I see potential particularly for the development of the western and northern parts of Serbia.
Of the eight countries participating in this initiative, six are European Union member states, while two are not yet. Closer cooperation among them can open up new channels of communication with European institutions and business.
European integration is not just a matter of relations with Brussels. It also entails practical cooperation between municipalities, cities, enterprises, and local communities. It is precisely at that level that results directly impacting citizens' lives can be achieved.
There are several areas in which we can cooperate. These include emergency response - which is particularly important for mountainous regions - as well as transport, railway infrastructure, and tourism.
Serbia is working on the development and modernisation of its railway network, and transport connectivity is an important prerequisite for economic development and better cooperation between countries.
We are ready to work together and wish to enhance this cooperation further. The potential is there, and the task is to translate it into concrete projects."
You also participated in the Danube Future Forum. How can that initiative further connect our countries?
"It can complement it and create a synergy that will help all of us better understand what Europe really means.
Europe is not just Brussels. Above all, all of us make up Europe.
In my address at the forum, I emphasised that the Danube should not merely be a waterway or a symbol of communication, freedom, and friendship. These are all important values, but the Danube also needs to become a practical instrument for economic integration, investment, and achieving concrete business results.
That is of crucial importance. Every initiative, including diplomatic ones, must have a practical dimension. If we want cooperation to be effective, it must contribute to economic development, open up business opportunities, and deliver tangible economic benefits."
How can these initiatives help Ukraine and other countries move closer to the European Union?
"We are moving closer to the European Union, but a long road still lies ahead. Nevertheless, the most important thing is that we do not reduce European integration merely to fulfilling criteria and formal conditions.
We must transform our own country - not for Brussels' sake, but for our own. Living in a democratic, European, and prosperous state is better than living in a weak and unstable country.
European integration is not just about money. It concerns values, institutions, quality of life, and the opportunity for citizens to live in a well-ordered society.
Serbia and Ukraine share strong common roots - Slavic, Orthodox, and historical. That is an important foundation for mutual understanding, but we need to build modern cooperation on these ties.
I do not wish to interfere in Serbia's internal political affairs, nor do I wish to comment on political rhetoric as such. However, I consider it important to point out the responsibility involved when a shared historical and religious heritage is used for political purposes.
The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is one of the most significant centres of Slavic Orthodoxy, from where the Orthodox faith spread across East Slavic lands. For this reason, I consider it inappropriate for this holy site to be portrayed as part of the justification for Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Religious heritage should serve as a bridge between nations, not as a tool for political manipulation. Respect for the Orthodox faith and holy sites must also entail respect for their significance to the believers and communities to which they belong."
Elections in Ukraine and conditions for holding them
Wartime circumstances also raise the question of whether elections can be held in Ukraine. Security conditions, missile attacks, and the need for a ceasefire represent key considerations when examining this issue.
Is Ukraine ready to hold elections?
"As our president has stated, we are ready to hold elections. There is, however, one key condition - peace, or at least a ceasefire.
It is impossible to organise elections while missile and drone attacks continue. If a ceasefire were to last for 60 days, elections could be held.
No one needs peace more than Ukraine. We say this not just for the sake of elections, but for the lives of our citizens. Peace would give our country the chance to be freed from fear and begin rebuilding normal life."
What would constitute a success for international diplomatic efforts, and what kind of security architecture does Eastern Europe need?
"If we managed to finally remove this tragedy and this dreadful topic from everyday life, that would represent a major success for all politicians.
I support Ukraine's efforts to establish a new security architecture in Eastern Europe that would allow us to live in long-term and genuine peace. We need an environment in which our countries can develop and citizens can plan for the future without the constant threat of war.
Peace is essential for development. People can live in wartime and survive, but that is not true life - it is mere survival.
Therefore, our goal is to reach a peace that will not be a mere temporary pause in conflict, but a foundation for stability, security, and the future development of Ukraine and the entire region."
How important is European Union support for Ukraine in these circumstances?
"European Union support is extraordinarily important. However, it should be understood that the Union acts not only out of altruistic motives, but also in accordance with its own interests.
This is not a war being waged somewhere far away on the periphery of Europe. It is a war on the very doorstep of the European Union. In a worst-case scenario, the consequences could spread to other European countries, including Poland, the Baltic states, and Romania.
That is why support for Ukraine is important not only for our country, but for the security of the entire European continent."
(EUpravo zato)