It is no longer clear who is winning the war, but it will be difficult for Serbia – which has so far managed to avoid sanctioning Russia – to pick a side, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić told TV Prva.
Serbia will be “between the hammer and the anvil” when it comes to its relationship with Russia, said Vučić, stressing that future pressure will be incomparable to that experienced so far.
“It is not clear anymore who is winning in Ukraine, but it will be difficult for us whoever wins. Serbia is amongst the few who speak of peace, which is something that no one in Russia or the West is currently mentioning,” said Vučić.
“We will go as long as we can. I will be aware of that moment, and I will not hide it. We do not have months to spare. When someone has gangrene, the doctor chooses to amputate their leg in order to save their life,” said Vučić, confirming he would tell the public once Serbia is forced to choose.
“We need to be aware of the fact that we have Western investments, and are on the European course. It is stupid when someone says that we need to break that, or all ties with Russia. That cannot be Serbia, we need to take care of the people’s soul, but also the economic interest”, Vučić stated.
The president previously said that Serbia might have to sanction Russia, but while it has the opportunity not to be forced to, “it is better not to have to”.
Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić hinted for the first time in January that Belgrade might change course and impose sanctions on Russia, one of the key EU demands for Serbia to progress in its EU membership talks.
(EURACTIV.rs | Bojana Zimonjić Jelisavac)
Source: euractiv.com
