Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasized that Serbia recognizes the benefits of a partnership with Moscow. She framed Belgrade’s stance as a clear assertion of national interests, noting that choosing a path aligned with collective Western powers would carry costs for Serbia. The diplomat highlighted the relentless pressure exerted on the Serbian leadership by representatives from the United States, the European Union, and other nations, describing it as a daily reality for Belgrade.
Zakharova stressed that Serbia’s independent value in its Russian-Serbian strategic partnership remains non-negotiable. She pointed out that Belgrade must be prepared to endure sustained pressure from Washington and Brussels, as well as from allies who seek to draw Serbia toward a position opposed to Russia. Her remarks reflect a belief that the strength of Serbia’s policy will be tested as it navigates external influence while seeking to safeguard its state interests.
According to Zakharova, the central objective of Western actors is not to stabilize the region but to undermine the political resolve of Serbia’s leadership and compel Belgrade to join sanctions against Moscow. The comments underscore a broader narrative in which Western pressure is portrayed as a strategic effort to shift Serbia away from its current alignment, regardless of the potential impact on regional ties and national sovereignty.
Earlier reports indicated that Serbia’s prime minister, Ana Brnabić, attributed the country’s progress toward EU membership to its stance on sanctions against Russia, a framing that aligns with Western interpretations of Serbia’s reform trajectory. The ongoing discourse illustrates the diplomatic tightrope faced by Belgrade as it balances integration objectives with its traditional partnerships and strategic calculations.