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Serbia’s stance not to join the sanctions against Russia seems to be seen as a threat by the US but not on a large scale as its initial stances were in favor of Ukraine.
US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried said that Serbia has always voted in favor of the decisions taken against Russia and this is a great progress given the course of history between the two countries. She stressed that most of the world is against Russia and this is something to be appreciated but called on Serbia to comply with European ideas.
Regarding the purchase of weapons from Serbia to Russia, Donfried said that Russia has shown us a side that we all hoped would not exist and we are all disappointed. As for China, it said it has taken a strategic position to be allied with Russia.
Voice of America: Are you concerned about Serbia’s position not to join EU sanctions against Russia?
Deputy Secretary Donfried: Let me start by saying that Serbia stood on the right side of history in early March in the first vote in the UN General Assembly, when one hundred and forty-one countries, including Serbia, voted to condemn Russia’s attack. to Ukraine and demanded that Russia withdraw. There were five countries in the UN that voted against this resolution. Even in a second resolution of the UN General Assembly, a humanitarian resolution, Serbia voted alongside Albania and the United States. And then there was the vote to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council. And again, Serbia voted with us. I think it is important to acknowledge that these were difficult decisions and to appreciate the decision taken by Serbia.
In terms of sanctions, as I mentioned, the United States believes it is important to impose costs on Vladimir Putin. The actions he is taking are unjustified, unprovoked and brutal, and in this regard, we call on Serbia to align its position with the EU and the sanctions it has imposed. And I would emphasize here that what the United States and the European Union are doing on the sanctions front, coordination in this regard, is a notable example of our cooperation.
I also want to emphasize that the feedback package includes sanctions and controls on exports and I think these controls on exports are also important. I want to emphasize that this coalition that stands firmly against the brutal actions of Russia includes not only our European allies and partners, but also our allies and partners in Asia. And I think the fact that a big part of the world is coming out against them is of great importance.
Voice of America: And a question: Do you think that Serbia’s recent arms purchases from Russia and China pose a threat to security and stability in the Balkans?
Karen Donfried: I must say that there was a difference of opinion between some Europeans and the United States about Russia’s plans on the eve of February 24, and I think that since some of our European allies and partners did not believe that Russia would launch that attack, in many ways 24 February was for most of Europe the equivalent of what 9/11 was for the United States, and it has shown us all a side of Russia that we hoped did not exist.
When a country makes decisions about arms purchases and of course when you think in a broad perspective about relations with that country, it is very difficult to imagine any country having an unchanged relationship with Russia after February 24th. I would refer again to the decisions taken by Serbia at the UN.
China, I believe, has made a strategic decision to be allied with Russia.
And, I repeat, I think that any decision that a country makes regarding arms purchases is informed from that broad perspective on how a relationship with Russia or China should be ongoing. I’m content with that.
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