The second is approaching when Serbia may have no selection however to offer in to Western calls for to sanction its very long time buddy Russia, its President Aleksandar Vucic has warned.

In an interview with Prva broadcaster on Friday, Vucic stated he expects “a significant escalation” within the battle in Ukraine over the following six months. The combating thus far will really feel like “nearly nothing, in comparison with what’s coming,” he warned.

This case “will have an effect on our nation because the strain on Belgrade, when it comes to its relations with Russia, will change into two or thrice more durable – regardless of already being very robust now,” the president stated.

Sanctioning Moscow over its navy operation in Ukraine and recognizing the independence of the breakaway province of Kosovo have been singled out by Brussels as key circumstances for Belgrade’s bid to affix the EU.

Vucic, who has been rejecting each calls for for months, now says the second could ultimately come when Belgrade must be part of the EU’s curbs on Moscow.

“Allow us to push like this so long as we will, I’ll know when the second is correct, and I can’t cover something from individuals. That second [when Serbia sanctions Russia] has been approaching for a very long time, I’m afraid that it’s not even months away,” he stated.

The Serbian president revealed that he used to imagine that the West, which is backing the Kiev authorities with weapons, funds and intelligence, was getting the higher hand in Ukraine. Nonetheless, “at this second, it’s not fully clear who’s profitable in Ukraine,” he added.

Moscow’s possibilities of succeeding have been boosted by the truth that there may be now “unity” among the many Russian individuals concerning the battle, particularly after the announcement by Berlin and another nations final month that German-made Leopard tanks can be equipped to Kiev, he stated.

In accordance with Vucic, it’ll be “tough” for Serbia irrespective of who prevails in Ukraine. “The West doesn’t need a nation allied with Russia in the course of Europe. Then again, Russia doesn’t need to lose the whole lot it has within the Balkans,” he stated.

That’s why Belgrade stays among the many few worldwide gamers who converse in regards to the want for a diplomatic resolution to the disaster, however “nobody is allowed to say peace anymore,” he said.