Russian officials discuss Serbia's EU aspirations and anti-Russian stance

During the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russian officials discussed Serbia's political direction and its relationship with the West.

Serbian politician Aleksandar Vulin stated that Serbia will not change its course to join an anti-Russian movement, asserting that the country has never been part of such a conflict and does not intend to be. Vulin also commented on the resilience of the Russian economy, suggesting that attempts to isolate Russia through sanctions are futile and would only result in self-isolation for those imposing them.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that Serbia's desire to join the European Union is currently driven by 'inertia.' He predicted that this aspiration would 'very quickly disappear,' though he did not provide specific reasons or a timeline for this expected shift. While Lavrov expressed this view, Serbia's official policy remains formally committed to European integration.