BELGRADE, Serbia

Serbia’s government decided Thursday to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine to support the country’s power grid.

''The Government of Serbia has decided to send humanitarian aid in priority equipment to Ukraine in order to support the country's electricity system,'' it said after a session of parliament.

Serbia, which aspires to become EU member, has resisted implementing Western sanctions on Russian because of Moscow’s war against Ukraine.

President Aleksandar Vucic repeatedly said he is pressured by Western allies to sanction Russia.

Russia backs Serbia’s refusal to recognize the independence of the former province of Kosovo -- an issue which recently flared tensions between Belgrade and Pristina.