Montenegro has rejected criticism from the Russian Embassy in Podgorica, saying Moscow cannot shift responsibility for the consequences of the war in Ukraine because the conflict began with Russia’s military aggression.
The diplomatic exchange followed Russian accusations that Montenegro had spread “anti-Russian insinuations” instead of expressing sympathy for civilians reportedly killed in Starobilsk, in the Russian-controlled part of Ukraine’s Luhansk region.
Montenegro’s Foreign Ministry said every innocent civilian victim deserves compassion and respect, regardless of nationality or where they were killed. However, it added that “lessons in humanity and compassion” from Moscow were inappropriate while parts of Ukrainian territory remain occupied and civilians across Ukraine continue to face attacks.
According to Russian officials, 21 people were killed in the strike on a student dormitory in Starobilsk. Reuters previously reported that Russian authorities had given a death toll of 18, with at least 40 people injured, while noting that the circumstances of the incident could not be independently verified.
Ukraine has denied targeting civilians, saying the strike was aimed at a Russian drone unit.
Podgorica said Montenegro remains committed to international law and stressed that attempts to redirect blame cannot change the fact that the war began with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The ministry also emphasized that Montenegro is not against the Russian people, but against violations of international law, military aggression and civilian suffering.
Montenegro has repeatedly expressed solidarity with civilians affected by the war and said it will continue to support peace, as well as Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
