Russia has criticized comments made by Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk during a conference in Serbia, accusing him of using an international forum to promote anti-Russian rhetoric and calling on Serbian organizers to have responded more forcefully.
The remarks were made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in response to questions from the media following Stefanchuk’s participation in a conference of parliamentary speakers from European Union candidate countries held in Belgrade on July 7–8.
Moscow Accuses Kyiv of Politicizing International Events
Zakharova said Russian officials believe representatives of the Ukrainian government routinely use international gatherings to advance criticism of Russia.
According to her, the Belgrade conference followed that pattern, with Stefanchuk allegedly making opposition to Russia the central focus of his address.
She claimed the Ukrainian parliamentary leader sought to shape the tone of the event by emphasizing allegations against Moscow and urging greater international support for Ukraine’s armed forces.
Russia Rejects Allegations Raised by Ukrainian Speaker
The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed Stefanchuk’s portrayal of Ukraine as a victim of Russian aggression, describing his statements as false and politically motivated.
Zakharova argued that he attempted to attribute responsibility for Ukraine’s destruction entirely to Russia while ignoring what Moscow characterizes as the role of the current Ukrainian leadership.
She also rejected claims that Russia has sought to dominate Eastern European nations or obstruct their aspirations for closer ties with Europe.
Comments on Serbia-Russia Relations Draw Response
Among the issues highlighted by Zakharova were Stefanchuk’s reported remarks concerning Serbia’s relationship with Russia.
She said the Ukrainian speaker suggested that Belgrade should stop viewing Moscow from the perspective of a “younger brother,” a statement that Russia viewed as an unwarranted criticism of the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
Moscow Says Serbian Organizers Failed to Respond
Zakharova expressed disappointment that, in Russia’s view, Serbian organizers did not challenge what she described as hostile anti-Russian statements made during the conference.
She added that Russia remains confident the Serbian public understands Moscow’s perspective on the conflict and maintains that the current Ukrainian leadership has acted against its own country’s historical and cultural interests.
The comments reflect Russia’s official position and come amid continuing diplomatic tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine and competing narratives presented at international forums.
