Former Lokomotiv Moscow defender Nemanja Pejchinovic spoke about the attitude of Serbs toward Russia and President Vladimir Putin. The remarks were reported by Match TV and circulated across Russian media channels, shaping a narrative about cultural and historical ties that some audiences find significant in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
Pejcinovic described a strong sense of kinship that many Serbs feel toward Russians, emphasizing shared religion, language, and traditions that have long bridged communities across Eastern Europe. He underscored that, in his view, the bond runs deeper than politics, framing it as a legacy of mutual understanding and a shared sense of identity. In his words, Russians are people who stand close to the Serbian people, connected through common roots, and the relationship is often characterized by warmth, familiarity, and a willingness to support each other in times of need. He added that the true test of this friendship would be to observe who leads Russia and to recognize how that leadership is perceived by neighbors and allies alike, noting that the figure at the helm of Russia matters to many in the region as a symbol and a practical source of shared stability.
During his time with Lokomotiv from 2014 to 2018, Pejcinovic was a steady presence on the defense line, helping the club secure important results and contributing to its competitive profile in the Russian Premier League. His most recent professional spell prior to the move abroad involved Fakel Voronezh, a team competing in the Russian First League during the 2021/2022 season. Fakel Voronezh has since returned to higher-level competition within Russia’s league system, continuing to develop young talents and pursue promotion opportunities. Beyond Lokomotiv and Fakel, Pejcinovic’s career has included stints with Serbian side Voždovac, Chinese club Changchun Yatai, French footballing capital Nice, and German footballing powerhouse Hertha Berlin, a journey that reflects the global nature of modern football and the way players traverse leagues to gain experience and showcase their abilities.
In a related vein, Andrey Solomatin, a former CSKA Moscow player and member of the Russian national team, expressed a belief that Russia should convey its position more clearly to Western audiences over time. He suggested that openness and direct communication could help clarify Russia’s stance on international matters and reduce misunderstandings, arguing that strategic messaging is an important tool in international relations. The comments reflect a broader expectation within certain circles that Moscow will articulate its policies and priorities more transparently, especially as global dynamics continue to evolve and new channels of information shape public perception in both North America and Europe.