Serbia not convinced EU serious about dialogue with Russia — former deputy PM

Lead

Serbia's former deputy prime minister, Aleksandar Vulin, has cast doubt on Europe's commitment to genuine dialogue with Russia, suggesting that European leaders are more interested in "grandstanding" than in meaningful negotiations. In comments reported by TASS ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vulin — who now chairs the supervisory board of the Serbian state gas company Srbijagas — questioned why Europe would need a mediator to engage with Moscow when direct channels exist.

"First, I am not sure that the Europeans really want to engage in dialogue with Russia," Vulin told TASS. "Why then should they need a mediator?" He argued that Europe could speak directly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov or President Vladimir Putin, rather than relying on an intermediary. "Why should they need a mediator? Who can represent the European Union?" he asked, adding that "there is a regular diplomatic channel that could be used for that."

Coverage Comparison

Two reports from TASS, the Russian state news agency, focused on Vulin's remarks, each highlighting a different aspect of his criticism. The first report, published on June 1, centered on Vulin's skepticism about Europe's willingness to engage in direct dialogue. The second, dated June 2, quoted Vulin's broader critique of European attitudes toward war, delivered during a Valdai Club expert discussion in St. Petersburg.

In the second report, Vulin argued that Europeans have "forgotten the horrors of World War II," which has led to a dangerous lack of "fear and sense of shame." He contrasted today's European rhetoric with the era of former German Chancellor Willy Brandt (1969–1974), when, he said, no German politician — regardless of party — would have dared to speak of preparing for war against Russia because "World War II atrocities were still fresh in people's minds."

Vulin's comments come amid ongoing tensions between Russia and European nations, with dialogue largely stalled since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. His remarks reflect a broader skepticism in some quarters about Europe's stated intentions toward Moscow.

Key Claims

• Europe's sincerity questioned: Vulin expressed doubt that Europe genuinely desires dialogue with Russia, as reported by TASS. He suggested that the call for a mediator indicates a lack of genuine interest in direct engagement.
• Direct dialogue advocated: Vulin proposed that Europe should pursue direct talks with Russian officials, including Lavrov or Putin, rather than relying on a mediator. This claim is based solely on TASS's reporting.
• Historical amnesia criticized: According to TASS, Vulin stated that Europeans have forgotten the devastation of World War II, which he believes explains their current willingness to discuss war with Russia.
• Merz's remarks cited: Vulin referenced a statement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who reportedly said that Europe would be ready to fight against Russia by 2030. This is attributed only to Vulin's speech as reported by TASS; no other source was cited in the provided material.

Perspectives

TASS's framing

As a Russian state news agency, TASS presents Vulin's comments without challenge, lending them authority and legitimacy. The reports emphasize Vulin's criticism of Europe, portraying him as a credible voice from the Balkans who reflects broader doubts about EU intentions. The coverage aligns with Russian official positions that question Europe's commitment to peace.

Vulin's viewpoint

Vulin's statements, as quoted by TASS, draw on Serbia's distinct historical experience, including its own wars in the 1990s, to argue that Europe has lost perspective on the true cost of conflict. His comments reflect a strand of Serbian political thought that is wary of Western policies and favors closer ties with Russia, particularly in the energy sector, given his role at Srbijagas.

European perspective (implied)

The reports do not include any response from European officials. The absence of reaction in the provided material leaves the European viewpoint unrepresented, but Vulin's remarks imply a critical assessment of current EU policy, which has largely distanced itself from Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine. European leaders have consistently framed their stance as necessary to counter Russian aggression, a narrative that Vulin implicitly challenges by questioning the genuineness of their desire for dialogue.

Temporal Context

The remarks were made ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), an annual event that has frequently served as a platform for Russian-aligned figures to voice criticism of the West. Vulin's comments contrast with the era of Willy Brandt, whose Ostpolitik policy in the early 1970s sought to normalize relations between West Germany and the Eastern bloc — a historical allusion that underscores Vulin's point about the shift in European attitudes.

No corrections or updates to these reports have been noted in the provided material.