Serbian President Vucic Reaffirms No Sanctions Against Russia, Doubts EU Admission Benefits
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has reiterated his commitment to maintaining friendly relations with Russia and not imposing sanctions, while expressing doubts that such a move would accelerate Serbia's European Union accession. The statements were reported by TASS.
Coverage Comparison
TASS, the Russian state news agency, has reported on several statements from Serbian officials in recent weeks. On July 19, Vucic told reporters in Lapovo municipality, "You can ask me whatever you want. My policy is no sanctions [against Russia] and that we want to maintain friendly relations with Russia." This followed a July 10 interview with Pink television where Vucic discussed the conditions for EU membership. Additionally, on July 15, former Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin, leader of the Serbian Movement of Socialists, affirmed Serbia's stance against joining an EU military coalition opposing Russia.
Key Claims
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated on July 19 that he will not impose sanctions on Russia and wants to maintain friendly relations with Moscow.
- Vucic expressed doubt on July 10 that joining anti-Russian sanctions would lead to swift EU admission, calling sanctions the "key condition" for membership.
- Vucic suggested that even if Serbia imposed sanctions, the issue of Kosovo and Metohija could be raised as an obstacle to EU admission.
- Serbia did not sign an anti-Russian declaration at a recent summit of Ukraine and Southeastern European nations in Kiev, according to Aleksandar Vulin on July 15.
- Vulin confirmed that Serbia will not join the EU's military coalition against Russia or impose sanctions, and will not open the third of six negotiating clusters on EU accession.