In a recent exchange that underscored the tangled layers of diplomacy between Moscow and Belgrade, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to an invitation from Serbian Economy Minister Rade Basta for what was framed as a traditional Serbian meal. Zakharova explained that she was observing Lent, which prevented her from traveling to Serbia under the current sanctions regime, and instead suggested meeting in Moscow. The gesture highlighted how sanctions and religious observances can shape high-level diplomacy as much as a formal agenda can.
Prior to this invitation, Zakharova had commented on Basta’s suggestion that Serbia should participate in sanctions against Russia. She asserted that once Moscow faced restrictions, Belgrade would find it difficult to withstand pressure from Washington. In a subsequent development, Basta once again extended an invitation, inviting the Russian spokesperson to dine on traditional Serbian dishes in person.
Zakharova replied that due to the so-called illegitimate anti-Russian sanctions that had effectively blocked travel, she was awaiting Basta in Moscow when he could not reach her. She also noted that Moscow has a vibrant scene of Serbian cuisine, suggesting that there are many excellent Serbian restaurants where such discussions could take place, even if the originally intended meeting abroad could not happen at that moment.
Another aspect highlighted by the diplomat was Basta’s interpretation of the situation during Lent. Zakharova suggested that a misunderstanding of Russia-Serbia realities had led to a misalignment in expectations about a traditional Serbian dinner, implying that such a feast would be more fitting after the Easter fast is broken. The exchange thus painted a picture of diplomacy conducted not only through official channels but also through cultural and religious sensibilities that influence timing and reception.
Beyond the bilateral dialogue between Moscow and Belgrade, the broader public debate touched on statements made by Fergus Eckersley, the political coordinator at Britain’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Eckersley’s remarks concerning the absence of overt Russian hostility at an UN Security Council meeting were cited as an example of cynicism in commentary about Russia’s role on the council. This observation framed a wider narrative about how Western audiences interpret Russia’s actions in multilateral forums and how those interpretations feed back into bilateral conversations, including the Serbia-Russia relationship.