Serbia to Play Football with pro-Russian Rebels

The football club "Novi Sad" at the end of August will play a friendly match with the team from self-proclaimed People's Republic of Luhansk, run by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Tomislav Lovrekovic, Chairman of the club's board, said that the club sympathised with people in the war zone of eastern Ukraine and had invited them to play a football game in order to send a message of peace.

"We believe that people over there need some support, and sport has been known for ages for reconciling people," Lovrekovic said.

The game will not be affected by the fact that the breakaway state is not recognized diplomatically. "This is primarily a match of friendship, with no political background," he added.

Representatives of the breakaway area in Ukraine have said that they will be happy to accept the invitation.

The match is a reflection of the divided feelings of many Serbs when it comes to the conflict in Ukraine.

While Serbian leaders aspire to membership of the European Union, which fiercely disapproves of Russia's support for the rebels in Ukraine, most Serbs cherish friendly relations with Russia.

Serbia and Russia remain allies and - despite pressure from Brussels - Serbia has refused to join sanctions imposed on Russia in relation to its involvement in the crisis in Ukraine.

Belgrade has also refused to abandon its plans to participate in the Russian-managed gas pipeline. Belgrade officials insist that the project is crucial for Serbia's energy sustainability and cannot be sacrificed.

The latest sign of Serbia's continuing fondness for Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, is a cafe called "Putin" which is due to open in the centre of Novi Sad next week.