Serbia Won't Impose Sanctions on Russia Despite Pressure - Defense Minister

In an interview with Sputnik, the head of the Serbian Defense Ministry said that Belgrade intends to maintain its policy of military neutrality and refrain from joining anti-Russian sanctions.

The next parliamentary elections in Serbia are scheduled for December 17. If the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), the ruling party of President Aleksandar Vucic, wins, the country plans to maintain its stance of not imposing sanctions on Russia, Defense Minister Milos Vucevic has pledged.

Explaining Belgrade's position, he underlined the commitment to the pursuit of a unified and cohesive Serbian foreign policy. While acknowledging the country's aspiration to join the European Union (EU) he made it clear that cooperation with China, Russia, India and African and South American nations would continue.

"Our goal is to continue the policy without imposing sanctions against Russia, and our absolute starting point from beginning to end is our military neutrality. I see no microscopic chance of this changing, although there are different custodians who will try to convince us otherwise," Vucevic noted.

Serbia's Strength: Balancing Act Amidst Regional Tensions

Describing the security landscape in Serbia as complex, the defense minister has underscored the intricate challenges facing the nation, with thee breakaway province of Kosovo and Metohija emerging as the primary security threat that shows no signs of abating.

Expressing deep concern, he underlined the continuing arming of the Kosovo Albanians and their ambitions to develop the Kosovo Security Force into a full-fledged army, a move he said was “contradicting even what they call their constitution”.

“There is a clear plan, which they do not hide, for the Kosovo Security Forces to become the Armed Forces of Kosovo by 2026, contradicting even what they call their constitution," Vucevic stated.

Vucevic emphasized that Serbia's response could take two forms: a diplomatic and political struggle within the confines of foreign interests, or a robust response mobilized through the Serbian army.

Drawing attention to Serbia's strengthened military capabilities, the Minister emphasized that the nation's armed forces are not only well-equipped, but also highly trained and formidable. Serbia is strengthening its defense capabilities through undisclosed arms purchases and substantial investments in the military sector.

He confidently declared that the Serbian army serves as the republic's most powerful deterrent, sending a firm message to potential adversaries that the nation is no longer easily underestimated. Recent contracts, which exceed €100 million, prioritize military complexes, with 60 percent of the allocation going to strengthen the Serbian army.

Unavoidable Kosovo Issue

The Kosovo question remains a central challenge, with Vucevic acknowledging the limited options: surrender, withdrawal, concessions, or potential conflict. He argues for the preservation of Serbia's territorial integrity, navigating a path between the two extremes in the Kosovo issue, representing war and peace.

"This is the policy I believe in – that these two extremes do not compete with each other, and that we preserve Serbian statehood in Kosovo and Metohija to the maximum possible extent in these circumstances, and also protect all of Serbia and the entire Serbian people, wherever they may live," he stated.

The defense minister has rejected elements of the Western plan for normalizing Kosovo, deeming Pristina's UN membership and increased autonomy unacceptable to Belgrade. In navigating the complex situation in Kosovo, he has emphasized a policy aimed at preserving Serbian statehood while protecting the entire Serbian population.