Vučić confirms Serbia will not sanction Russia, thanks Putin for Russian gas
Photo: Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vučić
On Sunday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing their conversation as “good, open, long, and meaningful.” Vučić mentioned that this was their first discussion in nearly two and a half years.
“I expressed hope, as I did two and a half years ago, that Serbia will not impose sanctions on the Russian Federation,” Vučić stated on his Instagram account. He also thanked Putin for ensuring that Russia would supply enough gas to Serbia for the upcoming winter.
Why is this significant: Despite pressure from the EU, where Serbia is a candidate for membership, the country has refused to impose sanctions on Moscow. Belgrade continues to maintain ties with the Kremlin.
Context: The call between Vučić and Putin was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Belgrade’s liberation, which took place on October 20, 1944, when Yugoslav partisans and the Soviet Red Army freed the city from Nazi occupation. This date is celebrated as Belgrade Liberation Day.
The Kremlin confirmed that both leaders “reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation globally” and agreed to “maintain personal contacts.”
Vučić said they discussed bilateral, economic, and political matters, while the Kremlin’s statement noted mutual satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations, which are based on spiritual, cultural, and historical kinship.
The conversation also touched on the situation in Ukraine, with Putin sharing his view on the progress of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, as Moscow refers to its invasion.
Neither Vučić nor the Kremlin mentioned whether they discussed Vučić’s potential participation in the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, to which he was invited by Putin.
On the same day Vučić stated that he had a “great meeting” with US Assistant Secretary of State James O’Brien and Director for Europe in the European External Action Service, Angelina Eichhorst. “I reiterated Serbia’s commitment to EU integration and reforms that are necessary to improve cooperation with the EU, but I also emphasized that the entire region needs a stable and predictable future, with clear messages from the Union about enlargement,” said Vučić.
He added that he spoke about the situation in Kosovo and “expressed deep concern about the challenges that the Serbian people face every day”, as well his readiness to jointly seek solutions for a lasting stability in the Western Balkans.
Go deeper
Editorial note: The opposition’s protest that wasn’t
Published on December 23, 2024
Parliament Leaders’ Conference rejects opposition’s request on Inquiry into Durrës Port Project
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The opposition’s requested inquiry would have lasted six months, overlapping with the critical pre-election period. During election seasons, Parliament’s activities, including those of inquiry committees, are limited, making the establishment of such a committee practically unfeasible. The Democratic Party has a history of opposing projects proposed and implemented by their Socialist rivals for political gain. When in power, the Berisha government halted several projects initiated by the Municipality of Tirana, then led by Edi Rama, even demolishing some under construction on questionable grounds without awaiting court rulings. In opposition, the Democrats have continued this pattern, at times organizing protests—some of which turned violent—against projects that later proved to be highly popular and contributed significantly to the Socialists’ electoral successes.
SPAK reclassifies charges against former Minister Ilir Beqaj in sterilization concession case
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The decision marks a significant escalation in the case, as the charges now carry more severe penalties. Until now, Beqaj was accused solely of abuse of office, while his deputy faced charges of fraud, document forgery, and abuse of office. Businessman Ilir Rrapaj had been charged with fraud. The judge handling this case, previously gained attention when she accepted a request to lift house arrest for opposition leader Sali Berisha, whose own corruption case is set to begin soon. Berisha has credited his party for the new direction in the sterilization case, suggesting it influenced SPAK’s decision to strengthen the charges against the former Socialist minister.