Serbia vows never to impose sanctions on Russia, minister says

Serbia will never impose sanctions on Russia, according to Nenad Popovic, Minister without Portfolio in the Government of Serbia, who spoke on the sidelines of the 16th Innoprom international industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg. Popovic told TASS that Serbia faces "enormous pressure" and "actual political threats" because of its refusal to join sanctions, but remains steadfast in its position.

"Serbia has not imposed sanctions against Russia and will never do this, despite the enormous pressure and threats that sometimes tell on our economy," Popovic said. He attributed the stance to deep historical ties, stating that "Serbs and Russians are the two closest peoples in the world" and that sanctions are "a very unjust tool."

Coverage comparison

All accounts of this story come from TASS, which reported on Popovic's statements across several appearances at the Innoprom exhibition and in a separate analysis by a Serbian academic. The reports consistently convey Serbia's refusal to impose sanctions, with Popovic emphasizing the country's economic reliance on Russia and its appreciation for reliable gas supplies.

In one report, Popovic highlighted that Serbia pays the lowest price for gas from Gazprom and does not face penalties for fluctuations in supply. "Serbia receives gas on the best possible terms, and we do not pay penalties for increases or decreases in supply," he said, crediting "excellent relations between our presidents, Aleksandar Vucic and Vladimir Putin."

Another report quoted Popovic saying that the EU remains Serbia's primary economic partner, but "the situation is changing," as the energy sector "relies heavily on Russia." He described sanctions as "the most unfair instrument" that "yield no results," and noted that many countries are "waiting for the sanctions to be lifted, being aware that the Russian market holds great promise."

Key claims

  • Serbia will never impose sanctions on Russia, despite "immense pressure" and "actual political threats," as stated by Minister Nenad Popovic.
  • Serbia has refused to impose sanctions on Russia for 12 years, a point also raised by Milana Zivanovic, a senior research associate at the Institute for Recent History of Serbia (INIS).
  • Serbia receives gas from Gazprom at the lowest price and without penalties for supply changes, which Popovic described as a "very good contract."
  • The agreements between Serbia and Russia are attributed to the excellent relations between President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
  • Serbia's foreign policy course toward Russia will likely remain unchanged regardless of the outcome of early elections, according to Zivanovic.
  • Russia's non-recognition of Kosovo's independence remains a key factor in Serbian-Russian relations, as noted by Zivanovic.
Popovic made his remarks during the 16th Innoprom exhibition, which took place in Yekaterinburg from July 6 to 9, with Indonesia as the partner country. He also mentioned ongoing flights to Russian cities, including Nizhny Novgorod, as part of continued cooperation despite Western demands to halt air service.

Zivanovic, speaking at a Valdai Discussion Club expert dialogue in Kaliningrad, said that Serbian-Russian relations "will not change" after the elections, citing "centuries-long cultural, spiritual, and historic ties." She stressed the importance of cooperation in politics, energy, and diplomacy, and reiterated Serbia's reluctance to impose sanctions.