Serbia Takes Pride in Defying Russia Sanctions, Says President
Serbia proudly stands by its choice to refrain from joining Western sanctions against Moscow, according to President Aleksandar Vucic. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Belgrade has resisted Western calls to impose trade restrictions on Moscow, according to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who expressed his firm stance during a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron arrived in Belgrade on Thursday for a two-day visit, during which the two leaders finalized a deal for 12 French-made Rafale multirole jets for Serbia. The agreement, including spare parts and service fees, amounts to €2.7 billion ($3 billion).
When a reporter inquired whether the aircraft sale signified a shift away from Moscow and toward the EU, Vucic acknowledged Macron's desire for Serbia to adopt sanctions against Russia but firmly stated that this wouldn't occur. “I know that Emmanuel would like us to impose sanctions on Russia, but I am not ashamed of my decision,” the Serbian leader remarked.
Vucic noted that, while Serbia has not joined Western sanctions following the onset of the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, it supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and regards it as a friendly nation. He mentioned that Serbia has provided more humanitarian aid to Ukraine than all other Balkan states combined.
In contrast, Macron characterized Belgrade's move toward France as a strategic shift. “We see so many people who criticize Serbia’s partnership with China or Russia, and now it has a partnership with France,” he stated, expressing respect for Belgrade’s sovereignty and its international relationships while indicating that this marks a significant change.
Earlier this month, Nenad Popovich, the minister overseeing Belgrade’s international economic cooperation, highlighted Serbia's aim for a multi-vector foreign policy. He emphasized the intention to enhance collaboration with Europe, Asia, and the Islamic world, declaring EU membership as a crucial priority given Serbia's geographic position among EU member and candidate states. However, he labeled Brussels’ demand that Serbia impose sanctions on Russia and sever ties as “utterly unacceptable.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
Macron arrived in Belgrade on Thursday for a two-day visit, during which the two leaders finalized a deal for 12 French-made Rafale multirole jets for Serbia. The agreement, including spare parts and service fees, amounts to €2.7 billion ($3 billion).
When a reporter inquired whether the aircraft sale signified a shift away from Moscow and toward the EU, Vucic acknowledged Macron's desire for Serbia to adopt sanctions against Russia but firmly stated that this wouldn't occur. “I know that Emmanuel would like us to impose sanctions on Russia, but I am not ashamed of my decision,” the Serbian leader remarked.
Vucic noted that, while Serbia has not joined Western sanctions following the onset of the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, it supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and regards it as a friendly nation. He mentioned that Serbia has provided more humanitarian aid to Ukraine than all other Balkan states combined.
In contrast, Macron characterized Belgrade's move toward France as a strategic shift. “We see so many people who criticize Serbia’s partnership with China or Russia, and now it has a partnership with France,” he stated, expressing respect for Belgrade’s sovereignty and its international relationships while indicating that this marks a significant change.
Earlier this month, Nenad Popovich, the minister overseeing Belgrade’s international economic cooperation, highlighted Serbia's aim for a multi-vector foreign policy. He emphasized the intention to enhance collaboration with Europe, Asia, and the Islamic world, declaring EU membership as a crucial priority given Serbia's geographic position among EU member and candidate states. However, he labeled Brussels’ demand that Serbia impose sanctions on Russia and sever ties as “utterly unacceptable.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
