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Vučić's visit to Moscow/ EU: Relations with Russia cannot be developed on the principle of 'business as usual', especially after the aggression against Ukraine

2025-04-24 19:03:42 / BOTA ALFA PRESS

Vučić's visit to Moscow/ EU: Relations with Russia cannot be developed on

The European Union (EU) wants to rely on Serbia as a reliable partner and it is necessary for Belgrade to ensure its strategic course, it was said in Brussels on April 24, after Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed that he will travel to Moscow to mark Victory Day.

In response to a question sent by Radio Free Europe, a European Commission representative added that the European Union has been completely clear with its partners, including candidate states like Serbia.

"Relations with Russia cannot be developed on the principle of 'business as usual' with the regime of Vladimir Putin, especially after the unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine," added the representative of the Office for Enlargement and International Partnership, Guillaume Mercier, in his written response.

Vučić declared on April 23 that he has not changed his position "despite the pressures" and that he will travel to Moscow on May 9, for the parade to be organized for the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism in World War II.

"With President [of Russia, Vladimir] Putin, I have always had an open, sincere and friendly relationship, which is not always easy and simple, because we do not always agree, but we trust each other when we say something," Vučić said.

He also added that there is a high possibility that he will travel alone to Moscow.

"We want the government of Gjuro Macu to pay the price, I want him to have the opportunity to work with the European Union as he should and no one can tell him anything. It is unlikely that the Serbian army will go because it would face attacks and various sanctions," Vučić declared.

He added that in Moscow he will also talk with Putin about a new gas agreement and a solution for the Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS), which the United States has imposed sanctions on because the majority of the company's shareholders are Russian companies.

The Serbian president's first trip to Russia since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine three years ago was made public by him in early March, following a telephone conversation that Vučić had with Putin.

In subsequent statements, Vučić insisted that he was not changing his decision to visit Moscow, despite the fact that, as he said, the West could respond with some form of sanctions.

As a candidate for EU membership, Serbia has not opened any negotiation chapters since December 2021.

Its progress has been blocked by its refusal to align its foreign policy with that of the EU and impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Brussels also demands from Belgrade progress in the rule of law and in the dialogue with Kosovo./ REL

 

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