Zelenskyy's Serbia visit driven by EU pressure, not Serbian wishes: Vulin

Former Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Serbia is not aligned with the desires of the Serbian people but is instead a result of pressure from Brussels. Vulin, founder of the 'Movement of Socialists' party, told RIA Novosti that the visit represents a 'revenge' by the EU for Serbia's refusal to sign an anti-Russian declaration at the 'Ukraine – Southeast Europe' summit in July.

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The visit of Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not the desire of the citizens of Serbia, nor is it the need of the leadership of Serbia. The arrival is the result of EU pressure and revenge because Serbia was the only one in Kyiv not to sign the anti-Russian declaration, as required by the EU.

Zelenskyy and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić were scheduled to meet in Belgrade, with a Memorandum of Understanding on agriculture between Serbia and Ukraine expected to be signed. Vulin, however, asserted that the visit is neither a wish of the Serbian citizens nor a necessity for Serbia's leadership. He reiterated that Serbia, as the only country that did not sign the anti-Russian declaration in Kyiv, is facing EU pressure.

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Serbia can only once again clearly say to Kyiv that it is not Montenegro and that it will not introduce visas for citizens of the Russian Federation, that Serbia will not become part of any anti-Russian coalition and hysteria and that Serbia will not impose sanctions against the Russian Federation.

While President Vučić expressed optimism about the visit fostering further development of relations and cooperation, Vulin declared that Serbia can clearly communicate to Kyiv that it is not Montenegro and will not impose visas on Russian citizens. He emphasized that Serbia will not become part of any anti-Russian coalition or hysteria and will not impose sanctions against the Russian Federation. Vulin added that Ukraine's non-recognition of Kosovo does not obligate Serbia to side with Ukraine. Furthermore, he stressed that Serbia will not sell any ammunition to Ukraine or any country that might transfer Serbian munitions to 'enemies of our Russian brothers.'

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Even the fact that Ukraine does not recognize Kosovo does not oblige Serbia to side with Ukraine.