US-sanctioned Serbian official meets Putin, reaffirms alliance with Belgrade and rejects Western sanctions

Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vulin, affirmed Serbia’s loyalty to Russia and its stance against imposing sanctions or joining NATO during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Vulin, who is under U.S. sanctions, highlighted the strong ties between Belgrade and Moscow, despite Serbia’s aspiration to join the European Union.

Vulin expressed his gratitude to Putin, emphasizing the encouragement it brings to all Serbs. Serbia has refrained from participating in Western sanctions against Russia in response to the conflict in Ukraine, a decision supported by President Aleksandar Vu?i? as not aligning with Serbia’s national interests.

During the economic forum in Vladivostok, where they met, Putin and Vulin discussed the potential for cooperation between Serbia and Russia’s far east region. Vulin reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to its alliance with Russia, pledging to maintain the close relationship in the future.

Despite recent engagements with Western leaders, such as Macron and Scholz, and agreements with the EU and France, Vulin stressed that Serbia, under Vu?i?’s leadership, will remain steadfast in its support for Russia. He assured Putin that Serbia under their administration would not join NATO, enforce sanctions against Russia, or permit its territory for any anti-Russian activities.

The U.S. imposed sanctions on Vulin last year accusing him of engaging in illicit activities and aiding Russian influence in the Balkans. Vulin, who has been honored by Russia with two medals, remains a staunch advocate of Serbia’s partnership with Moscow.

Amid concerns over Russia’s influence in the Balkans and efforts by the West to integrate the region, tensions persist due to the troubled history of the Balkans and ongoing conflicts. Serbia’s unwavering stance on its relationship with Russia continues to shape its foreign policy decisions.