Key Facts
• On September 2, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed a desire to improve ties with Russia.
• Serbia has no plans to join Western sanctions against Russia.
• Vučić emphasized the importance of Russian energy supplies, particularly natural gas.
• Serbia remains neutral in the Ukraine conflict despite significant external pressure.
• Serbia aspires to join the European Union but relies heavily on Russian gas.
• Vučić has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at least four times since 2022.
• Serbia has repeatedly condemned Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine but avoided sanctions.
• Vučić’s remarks were made during a televised meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.
Summary
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Russia, particularly in energy, while maintaining neutrality in the Ukraine conflict. Despite aspiring to join the European Union, Serbia continues to rely on Russian natural gas and has resisted Western sanctions against Moscow. Vučić highlighted the challenges Serbia faces due to the Ukraine crisis but emphasized the importance of high-level collaboration with Russia. His comments were made during a televised meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. Serbia has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but remains steadfast in its neutral stance.
