site.btaBalkan Brief

Following is a summary of the Balkan countries' response to Russia's recognition of the separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine:

Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Russia's recognition of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine was "unacceptable" and called on all parties to respect international laws, broadcaster NTV and others reported on Tuesday, as quoted by Reuters. Speaking to journalists on board the plane at his return from a tour in Africa, Erdogan reiterated the call for common sense and abidance by international law by all parties. He added that Ankara has prepared "preventive packages" of actions as a regional power.

Greece

The unilateral declaration of independence of the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk was defined as "an obvious violation of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Minsk Agreements" in a press release of the Greek Foreign Ministry. The Foreign Ministry says Greece has repeatedly declared its support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of all states and condemns any decision that opposes the fundamental principles of international law.

Romania

In a statement for the media, President Klaus Iohannis said that Romania firmly condemns the recognition by Russia of the "independence" of the self-proclaimed separatist republics in Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine, emphasizing that it is a flagrant violation of international law, and the international community should react firmly, Agerpres reported. "This act represents a flagrant violation of international law, of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Furthermore, through this decision, Russia infringes on the obligations it has as a signatory to the Minsk Agreements, which thus become meaningless. Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is threatening, through its actions, the global peace and security guaranteed by the UN Security Council, flouting principles of international law set out by the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. The international community must punish firmly, immediately and unequivocally this irresponsible decision on the part of Russia," the statement also said.

Republic of North Macedonia

"I condemn Russia's decision to recognize Donetsk and Luhansk as self-proclaimed people's republics," North Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski tweeted. Such an act is a direct attack on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and a violation of the Minsk Agreements and the decisions of the UN Security Council of 2015, he said and together with NATO allies called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Croatia

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Monday evening condemned Russia's decision to recognise the self-proclaimed regions in eastern Ukraine, HINA agency reported. Plenkovic tweeted that Russia's recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk was a violation of international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Together with the European partners, the Croatian Prime Minister expressed solidarity with Ukrainian President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.

Slovenia

Prime Minister Janez Jansa condemned Russia's recognition of the two separatist regions and said the European Union should offer Ukraine the prospect of full membership, HINA agency reported. Russia's recognition of the two separatist territories in Ukraine is blatant violation of international law and the agreements made in Budapest and Minsk, Jansa tweeted. 

Albania

Albania condemned the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk on Monday, the exit.al e-zine reported. "This unilateral act is a flagrant violation of international law, the Minsk Protocol, and Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence," Albanian president Ilir Meta stated, as quoted by exit.al.

Montenegro

Montenegro condemns all actions on the recognition of the Ukrainian regions Donetsk and Logansk as independent formations, President Milo Dukanovic tweeted. Montenegro confirms its unequivocal support for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, he pointed out.

Serbia

President Aleksandar Vucic said on Rozova TV that after President Valdimir Putin's decision to recognize the two self-proclaimed republics in Eastern Ukraine, Serbia was in a difficult position with numerous challenges of political and economic nature, as well as ones related to security, RTV noted. "We see that peace is no longer something that can be taken for granted," Vucic said, adding that Serbia's commitment to peace must now be "stronger and stronger". 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Croatian and Muslim members of the Bosnian Presidency supported Ukraine and the leader of Republika Srpska declared himself for neutrality. Presidency Chairman Zeljko Komsic said the territorial integrity of UN member-states should be respected, N1 TV reported. He condemned Russia's attack on the territory of Ukraine. Before that, Muslim Presidency Member Sefik Dzaferovic also condemned Russia's decision to recognize the [separatist] Ukrainian regions Donetsk and Luhansk. The Serbian Member of the Presidency, Milorad Dodik, said Republika Srpska would want a position of neutrality at Bosnia and Herzegovina level in relation to Ukraine, Bosnian Serb agency SRNA reported.
 
Kosovo

The largest opposition party in the Kosovo Assembly, the Democratic Party of Kosovo, asked Prime Minister Albin Kurti to convene the national Security Council because of the situation in Ukraine, MIA agency reported. MP and former foreign minister Enver Hoxhaj said the government should consider the opportunity of sanctions against Russia.