Despite enormous pressure from Brussels and several EU countries to join the sanctions against Russia, the EU accession candidate Serbia has so far failed to do so. There have recently been indications that such a decision cannot be expected in the foreseeable future. Or is it? Recently, rumors have surfaced that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is about to resign. Meanwhile, a secret visit from Moscow caused a stir.
The move could arguably come because of the intense pressure being placed on him and his country at home and abroad. Vucic was only confirmed in the presidency for the second time in April.
How realistic is a resignation of the head of state? Probably no one in Belgrade can say for sure. He would have “absolute understanding” for such a radical decision, Vladimir Djukanovic, top official of Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), said according to media reports on Tuesday. He accused the Serbian scientific and cultural elite, as well as leading businessmen and media, of supporting the “pro-Western option”. In such a situation, it is impossible to maintain the country’s neutrality, Djukanovic said.
A high-ranking visit from Moscow was kept secret for days, probably also for prophylactic reasons. As has only just been announced, Vucic received Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko in Belgrade late last week.
Interior Minister: “EU does not want Serbia”
According to his office, Grushko met the president, Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic and Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin during his two-day stay in Belgrade. Vulin is considered a particularly pro-Russian member of the government. For example, he said on Sunday that it would be better for Serbia to accept “as soon as possible” that its place is not in the European Union and that the EU “does not want” Serbia.
It is not known what exactly Grushko discussed in Belgrade, but he told Russian internet portal Sputnik that he would be “unfair” to say that Russia remains “indifferent” to possible sanctions from Serbia. “Of course we would be disappointed,” Grushko said.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
