The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia has reacted against the statement of the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Marija Zaharova, who called the donation of Macedonian tanks to Ukraine as a wrong action.

"The Republic of North Macedonia is a sovereign state that takes its own decisions independently, guided by the principles of respect for international law, the UN Charter, the principles and commitments of the OSCE for the protection of the European architecture of security and global stability", says the joint statement of the MFA and the Ministry of Defense as a reaction to the statement of spokeswoman Zaharova.

"From the beginning, North Macedonia condemned the military intervention in Ukraine and stood in support of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, and above all in support of peace, human rights and the rules-based international order.

Accordingly, until now, the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia has approved several Decisions for military-technical assistance with which we help Ukraine in the protection of its territorial integrity, which is threatened by military intervention", the announcement states.

The announcement states that "North Macedonia, as a member of the most powerful military-political alliance - the NATO Alliance, firmly stands behind the Alliance's position and determination to be a guarantor of the peace and security of the member countries and to protect the values, freedom and security of present and future generations".

The spokeswoman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, said today that Moscow considers the decision of the authorities of North Macedonia to donate T-72 tanks to Ukraine a big mistake.

According to her, although it is outdated equipment, the donation provides support for "the continuation of the criminal activities of the regime in Kiev".