- Serbian citizens are thankful for V. Putin
- First direct conversation since the war started
Serbian citizens are thankful for V. Putin
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday for the first time in two-and-a-half years, as a decision is awaited on whether Vucic will attend next week's BRICS summit.
Serbia, a candidate for European Union membership, refuses to impose sanctions on Russia and maintains close and friendly relations with it.
However, following the invasion of Ukraine, Serbia has condemned the violation of the integrity of its territory and Vucic has spoken directly to Putin only once or twice.
"I especially thanked President Putin for his assurance that Russia will provide Serbia with sufficient gas this winter," Vucic said in a video message posted on social media.
First direct conversation since the war started
In his first direct conversation with Putin since May 2022, Vucic reiterated that Serbia is sticking to its previous position and does not intend to impose sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine.
"Serbia will not impose sanctions on the Russian Federation. This does not change", Vucic said.
The talks took place as Russia awaits an official response to Putin's invitation sent to Vucic in September to attend the 22-24 October meeting. On 24 September 2008, Putin invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan.
"If I say I am going to Kazan, it will mean the end of Serbia's road to Europe. If I say anything else, they will say I betrayed the Russians", Vucic said this week, adding that he would announce his final decision on the trip by Monday.
Based on ELTA report
