Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin after two and a half years as a decision loomed regarding Vucic’s participation in the BRICS summit. Despite being a European Union candidate, Serbia has refused to impose sanctions on Russia, maintaining close ties. However, since the invasion of Ukraine, Serbia has condemned the violation of Kyiv’s territorial integrity, leading to limited bilateral talks between Vucic and Putin. Vucic thanked Putin for ensuring adequate gas supplies for Serbia this winter, as the country had been heavily reliant on Russian gas before the invasion of Ukraine. While Serbia has been working on finding alternative sources, they still have some reliance on Moscow.
During their phone call, Vucic reiterated Serbia’s stance on refraining from imposing sanctions on Russia over the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin stated that both leaders expressed satisfaction with the level of bilateral relations, emphasizing spiritual, cultural, and historical commonalities. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, with Putin providing his assessment of the military operation. The two leaders agreed to continue maintaining contact going forward. Russia is awaiting Vucic’s official response to Putin’s invitation to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, with Vucic previously expressing concerns about the implications of his decision on Serbia’s European path.
Vucic acknowledged the delicate balancing act he faced in deciding whether to attend the BRICS summit, recognizing the potential impact on Serbia’s relationship with both the EU and Russia. The phone call between Vucic and Putin coincided with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade from German occupation during World War II, highlighting the historical ties between Serbia and Russia. The decision about Vucic’s attendance at the summit could have significant implications for Serbia’s geopolitical positioning and relationships with key global players.
Despite the pressure and competing interests at play, Vucic remained firm in his stance on sanctions against Russia, emphasizing that Serbia would not impose sanctions on the Russian Federation. The call between Vucic and Putin reflected the complexities of Serbia’s foreign policy and the balancing act the country must maintain in navigating its relationships with the EU and Russia. As Serbia works to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on Russian gas, the decision regarding the BRICS summit attendance may shape Serbia’s future trajectory and alliances on the global stage.
Vucic’s dialogue with Putin highlighted the importance of maintaining open communication and dialogue between Serbia and Russia, despite external pressures and conflicting interests. The phone call marked a significant moment in the relationship between the two countries, reflecting the historical, cultural, and spiritual ties that bind them. The decision on Vucic’s attendance at the BRICS summit will be closely watched as Serbia navigates its relationships with the EU, Russia, and other global actors. Ultimately, the outcome of this decision could have far-reaching implications for Serbia’s foreign policy and strategic positioning in the international arena.
