EU and US ask Serbia to distance itself from Russia

(Patria) - The European Union yesterday once again called on Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia for the invasion of Ukraine, after Belgrade hosted the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Alexander Grushko, reports RSE.

"The EU has been crystal clear with our partners - relations with Russia cannot be business as usual with Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine," an EU spokesperson said in a statement to RSE.

He added that the EU Council recognizes Serbia's humanitarian and other assistance to Ukraine, but also expects Serbia, as a candidate country for EU membership, to align with European foreign and security policy.

The US State Department, in response to RSE's inquiry, stated that the US "does not believe any country should give Russia a platform to promote its war of aggression against Ukraine".

"The countries of the Western Balkans, like all of Europe, have a deep stake in the outcome of Russia's war against Ukraine, which threatens the foundations of the established international order and security.

Therefore, it is crucial that we continue to stand together in confronting Russia's aggression," the State Department said.

The US has praised the support Serbia has provided to Ukraine so far.

Grushko met yesterday with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who stated on his Instagram account that they had a "good conversation" and discussed "overall bilateral relations between Serbia and the Russian Federation, assessing them as very good".

Grushko also met with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, and the day before with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Police Ivica Dačić.

He also met with Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin and Minister Nenad Popović, who are on the US sanctions list due to their close ties with the Kremlin.