Ukraine Stance a ‘Nightmare’ for Serb Bid to Keep Russia Ties
- Vucic says Belgrade to stay out of EU sanctions on Russia
- Serbia, an EU aspirant, has maintained close ties with Russia
Aleksandar Vucic
Photographer: John Thys/AFP/Getty Images
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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said his government will maintain its neutral position regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine despite enormous pressure building on the Balkan nation to participate in sanctions directed at the Kremlin.
The former Yugoslav republic seeks to keep its close ties with Moscow -- which provides Serbia with energy, defensive equipment and geopolitical support -- even as it holds onto its ambition to join the European Union. The Serbian leader last week stopped short of backing EU and U.S. sanctions, though said Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be safeguarded.