Serbia says ready to welcome Ukrainian refugees

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Serbia is ready to accept refugees from Ukraine, the country's refugee and migrants authority said on Monday.

The Commissariat for Refugees and Migrants declared that it would do everything to accept those who need help in cooperation with other state bodies, international organizations, and partners.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross of Serbia opened a bank account for donations to help Ukrainians, with the commissariat saying it has facilities ready to accept refugees from Ukraine if needed.

In a statement, the Red Cross said it was deeply concerned about the serious humanitarian consequences of the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

Separately, Montenegro's Red Cross said some Ukrainian refugees had already arrived.

Some Ukrainian refugees also began arriving in Croatia over the weekend.

Croatia announced it could currently provide for 3,500 people from Ukraine, with plans being made to accommodate 17,000.

Serbia on Friday decided not to impose sanctions on Russia for the Ukraine crisis.

Since Russia's war on Ukraine began last Thursday, it has been met by an outcry from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US implementing a range of economic sanctions against Russia.

Russia was further isolated after its planes were barred from flying in European and Canadian airspace, and several of its banks were kicked out of the SWIFT international banking system.

At least 102 civilians have so far been killed in Ukraine and more than 500,000 others have fled the country, according to UN officials on Monday.

Ukraine says more than 350 civilians have been killed and over 1,600 injured during attacks by Russian forces.