Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that, despite the pressure, Serbia will not endanger its national interests by joining Western sanctions against Russia due to the war in Ukraine.
He stated that Belgrade would not choose a side despite calls from the European Union (EU), Avaz writes.
”There is talk of choosing sides. No, we have our own side, the interests of Serbia. Nineteen NATO countries bombed us and imposed sanctions on us,” said Vucic. It was written that the bombing of Serbia was an intervention in order to end the “bloody war in Kosovo between Yugoslavia and the separatists, ethnic Albanian militants.”
Buying weapons is part of the effort to maintain stability
”We have some kind of protection (from Russia). What do Western countries want? To leave all our national interests because someone wants something for themselves,” Vucic stated, alluding to Ukraine and the West’s desire to respond in unison to the Russian invasion.
Vucic added that Serbia did not impose sanctions on anyone because the state leadership does not believe that they would change anything. His statements suggest that Belgrade will remain lenient with China towards Russia despite pressure from Brussels.
Serbia’s recent purchase of China’s FC 3 anti-aircraft missile system has also sparked discontent as the West fears it could give Beijing more influence. Although the possession of Chinese weapons is not contrary to EU regulations, it makes it difficult or impossible to participate in joint EU defense projects or exercises due to incompatible systems.
The President of Serbia said that the recent purchase of weapons, including French and Turkish ones, is part of the effort to preserve stability because the neighboring countries also bought weapons.
Vucic pointed out that Serbia must resolve the issue of Kosovo, where tensions over the agreement on vehicle registration plates have increased over the past year.
Serbia must control tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)as well
Serbia must also control tensions in BiH, which is fueled by BiH presidency member Milorad Dodik, whom Vucic supports.
Vucic said that he called on Dodik not to form an army and to calm down secessionist plans, which, according to Vucic, he accepted.
The President of Serbia pointed out that “many players” have an interest in destabilizing the Western Balkans, but that he told EU leaders that Serbia would try to maintain peace in the region.
E.Dz.
