**Serbia Stands Firm Against Russia Sanctions**
In a statement made on July 27, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed that his country will not impose sanctions against Russia. This decision comes after comments from Serbia’s European Integration Minister Nemanja Starovic suggested that the country might consider aligning with EU sanctions on Russia once its accession to the European Union is imminent.
**A Delicate Balance**
Serbia has long been trying to balance its relationship between the West and Russia. As an official EU candidate since 2012, Belgrade has repeatedly expressed its goal of joining the bloc. However, progress has stalled due to ongoing concerns over democratic backsliding and persistent tensions with Kosovo.
Minister Starovic emphasized that Serbia’s refusal to impose sanctions on Russia is not a matter of political loyalty, but rather economic necessity. He stated that Russia would not be affected by such sanctions, but the Serbian economy would suffer greatly.
**Vucic Rebuffs Minister’s Remarks**
President Vucic rejected these comments as “careless.” He expressed concern that some people in Serbia and Russia are eager to criticize his country for its stance on Russia sanctions. Vucic also made it clear that Serbia will not impose sanctions against Russia, citing the need to protect its national security and economy.
**A History of Diplomatic Care**
This is not the first time President Vucic has walked a delicate diplomatic line between the West and Russia. In May, Russian intelligence accused Serbia of supplying weapons to Ukraine—a claim Belgrade has denied. A 2024 Financial Times investigation found that Serbian ammunition had reached Ukraine via third-party intermediaries.
In June, Vucic made his first visit to Ukraine to attend the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa. Although he declined to sign the summit declaration condemning Russian aggression, he offered Serbia’s support with postwar reconstruction efforts in Ukrainian cities.
**Serbia Stands Firm**
President Vucic has made it clear that Serbia will continue its established policy on Russia sanctions. He believes this stance is correct and has been proven so far. Serbian citizens also approve of this policy, seeing it as a matter of national sovereignty and independence.
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