“If we had imposed sanctions on Russia, no one would have taken to the streets, and I would have become the most democratic president (in the eyes of the West).
But I would have betrayed the soul of our people,” Vucic told Informer TV.
The president acknowledged that in the last four and a half years his country “has lost a lot of money and wasted many opportunities” by not yielding to Western pressure.
Political analysts consulted agree that Belgrade has faced enormous harassment from Western powers since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, precisely for maintaining its principled stance.
Serbian Minister of International Economic Cooperation Nenad Popovic stated that “despite comprehensive pressure, Serbia remains the only European country that has not imposed sanctions against Russia.”
Popovic added that Serbia and Russia are united by “a deep historical friendship, cultural and spiritual ties, as well as a long history of mutual understanding and support.”
Meanwhile, geopolitical experts point out that Belgrade is walking a tightrope between its aspiration to join the European Union and its traditional alliance with Moscow, although President Vucic has made it clear that national identity is non-negotiable.
“We are confident that these relations will continue to develop in the future, and that our friendship and cooperation will remain strong and lasting,” Minister Popovic emphasized, echoing the presidential message.
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