Serbian Minister of Economy Rade Basta called for sanctions against Russia, because the price of refusal becomes unbearable for Belgrade.
We hoped that the conflict (Russian-Ukrainian war – ed.) would end, reason would prevail and both sides would sit down at the negotiating table. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight to the conflict, and it seems that reasonable arguments have run out, Serbia.postsen quotes the minister.
Basta said he couldn’t bear to look at the “enormous pressure being put on President Vučić” and called on the government to support sanctions against Russia.
Our country is already paying a heavy price for not imposing sanctions on Russia, and this is becoming unbearable. As the Minister of Economy, I see the pressure on Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and we are silent about it, I cannot accept it. Therefore, I support the imposition of sanctions against Russia, stand on the side of President Vucic in protecting state and national interests and have absolute confidence in him. Therefore, I demand from the Serbian government and all ministers to speak out on this issue,” Basta said on his Instagram.
Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that Serbia would soon join Western sanctions against Russia.
Vučić said that this year he expects the West to increase pressure on Serbia “in matters of Kosovo and sanctions against Russia.”
This moment has been approaching for a long time, it is no longer about months, – he said.
Recall that after February 24, 2022, Serbia stated that it supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but will not impose sanctions against Russia and will not help circumvent them.
This position of Belgrade, aspiring to join the EU, has been repeatedly criticized. It is Russia that is the main ally of Serbia in the confrontation with Kosovo.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.