Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić stated that she does not see any link between the Russian Federation and the protests staged outside the presidential administration building on February 15. She stressed that Russia was not involved in supporting the demonstrators, either directly or indirectly, and she did not believe Moscow had a hand in the events. Brnabić described the participants as self-styled patriots who urged the Serbian President and a neighboring state to target state institutions during a national holiday, Candle Day, which is observed as State Day. She noted this behavior reveals a troubling attitude about patriotism and the kinds of allies these protesters claim to represent, arguing it does not reflect Serbia or its people.
Two individuals associated with the People’s Patrol movement were detained in Sremska Kamenica on February 15 after border authorities discovered carbines in their vehicle. Investigators indicated they were en route to Belgrade to join a rally organized by factions on the far right, described as radical by authorities. At the protest, flags from Russia and Serbia were displayed as protesters opposed what they called a French-German plan to resolve Kosovo’s status. An activist, Dejan Petar Zlatanović, called out, and the leader of the People’s Patrol, Damjan Knežević, asserted that he and his group were prepared to push beyond mere rioting to achieve their aims.
The Serbian head of state signaled that Serbia would need to consider imposing sanctions on Russia if Western pressure continued, reflecting a broader policy debate about relations with Moscow and the impact of Western diplomacy on Belgrade’s stance toward Russia.
The events of that day were framed by authorities and commentators as a tense flare within Serbia’s political landscape, highlighting ongoing divisions over national sovereignty, regional security, and alignment with Western partners. Observers noted that demonstrations of this kind often intensify debates over Serbia’s strategic orientation, the role of external powers, and the demands of domestic political movements. The episode underscored the sensitivity of national symbols and holidays in Serbia, and the way public expressions of patriotism can be mobilized to challenge state institutions or influence policy direction. In this context, the government’s responses to protests and the handling of security during demonstrations were viewed as indicative of broader governance strategies and the balancing act between internal political actors and international partners.