'Reelected' President Vucic of Serbia Rejects Russian Sanctions

Published 21 Apr.2022 14:35(KST)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Recently re-elected Serbian President Aleksandar Vu?i? publicly rejected sanctions against Russia.

The Financial Times reported on the 20th (local time) that President Vu?i? said he would not join Western sanctions against Russia if it endangered national interests. In an interview, he stated that although the European Union (EU) demands Serbia join the sanctions against Russia, "we will not choose sides."

Serbia, a candidate for EU membership, is considered an "ally" that has maintained strong political, economic, and security ties with Russia for a long time. For several years, Serbia has pursued the introduction of Chinese-made missiles, causing friction with the United States and other Western countries.

President Vu?i? emphasized, "We are receiving a kind of protection from (Russia)," and asked, "(The West) wants what? To abandon all national interests and act for their sake?"

He also stressed, "We are on our own side," and "The important thing is Serbia's interests." He added, "We were bombed and sanctioned by the 19 NATO countries." Regarding recent arms purchases, Vu?i? explained, "They are not for Russia, but for Serbia."

The Financial Times evaluated that President Vu?i?'s remarks, following his re-election this month extending his term by five years, suggest that Serbia will continue to accept Russia's and China's positions regarding the Ukraine war.

EU leaders have publicly emphasized viewing Serbia as a future EU member, but have expressed dissatisfaction with Serbia's relations with Russia and China. They have also expressed concerns about Serbia arming itself with Russian and Chinese weapons and the possibility of another war in the Balkans against Kosovo and others. Serbia has claimed that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence in 2008 violated the peace agreement, a position supported by China and Russia.