Ukraine places Serbian politicians on "list of criminals"

Ukraine places Serbian politicians on "list of criminals"

The statement added that the delegation is accused of illegally entering the territory of Ukraine and "supporting the occupation regime in Crimea."

All members of the delegation, including DSS and Dveri leaders Sanda Raskovic Ivic andi Bosko Obradovic have been included in the list, and even DSS Political Council President Dusan Prorokovic - "only because it was announced he would be a member of the delegation."

"Thus the first threat of the Ukrainian ambassador in Belgrade came true - that there will be 'appropriate acts and measures" against the members of the Serbian delegation that visited Crimea," said the statement, and added:

"As citizens of Serbia we are seeking the state's protection and are calling on it to react to the arrogant and undiplomatic behavior of the Ukrainian ambassador in Belgrade who is issuing threats against citizens of Serbia in the middle of our country, believing he can limit the movement in foreign territory - in the territory of the Russian Federation, which is not possible."

Obradovic said on the occasion that the Ukrainian reaction meant his party, Dveri, was "a friend of Russia," and added he was honored by that.

"Perhaps today many people fear sanctions if they went to Crimea, but soon going to Crimea will be a matter of prestige, and a reflection of the freedom-loving spirit of Europe and the world," stated Obradovic.

Earlier in the day, the Russian broadcaster Sputnik reported that Ukraine had launched criminal proceedings against former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi over his recent visit to Crimea, and that "the same could happen to the Serbian delegation."

The Ukrainian security service SBU banned Berlusconi from entering Ukraine for three years after his trip. He thus joined Kiev's other personae non gratae, that include Serbian film director Emir Kusturica, French actor Gerard Depardieu, who holds a Russian passport, U.S. film director Oliver Stone - over his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Putin's long-time friend, U.S. actor Steven Seagal.

Sputnik noted in its report that the people of Crimea in March 2014 decided to right a historical mistake, dating back to the USSR era, by voting overwhelmingly (95 percent) in favor of "bringing the peninsula back home." Thus the same month, Crimea officially became a part of the Russian Federation.