Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic vowed Thursday to honor his promise to go to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow subsequent week, regardless of potential backlash from the European Union.
While Serbia has lengthy maintained shut ties with Russia, Vucic has prevented visiting Moscow because the 2022 invasion of Ukraine amid his nation’s bid for EU membership.
Still, he mentioned he was “ready to endure any punishment, sanctions – whatever they decide” to face alongside Putin at commemorations marking the eightieth anniversary of the tip of World War II.
“Eight months ago … I told Putin over the phone that I would come to Moscow on May 9,” Vucic mentioned throughout a go to to the United States.
“My word, which I gave, is worth something,” the Serbian chief added.
“Nobody else has to go, nobody else has to pay the price. I will go.”
Vucic is anticipated to hitch the leaders of about 20 international locations, together with Chinese President Xi Jinping, for the big Red Square army parade commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Milorad Dodik, the chief of Bosnia’s Serb entity, can be anticipated to attend.
Since Putin ordered troops into Ukraine, Serbia has walked a diplomatic tightrope between Brussels and Moscow.
Serbia has been an EU candidate since 2012 – with Vucic on Thursday insisting it will “never quit” the trail to membership – and conducts most of its commerce with the bloc.
However, it relies upon nearly solely on Russia for fuel. Its present provide deal expires this month, and the federal government is negotiating a brand new settlement.
The EU has repeatedly urged Belgrade to align its international and safety coverage with Brussels. However, Serbia has by no means joined EU sanctions towards Moscow, and a number of other Serbian ministers have visited Russia lately.
Source: www.dailysabah.com