Serbia Will Not Impose Sanctions Against Russia Despite Pressure by USA, EU

Serbia will not impose sanctions against Russia even in light of the US decision to impose financial measures against the Serbian oil company Niš. “I am not ready at this moment to discuss Serbia’s potential imposition of sanctions against Russia,” Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said, emphasizing that Belgrade “for almost three years resisted maintaining a principled, serious, and responsible policy where we have been for peace from the very beginning.” However, the Serbian head of state described as “serious” the consequences of US sanctions against the Niš oil company, whose majority shareholders are Russia’s Gazprom Neft and Gazprom.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured), speaking at the annual congress of the ruling United Russia party, said Russia’s economy is developing and growing despite unprecedented sanctions: “Russia is developing, the economy is growing, and all this against the background of unprecedented global sanctions, as well as gross interference and pressure from the ruling elites of some states.” According to the latest estimates, Russia’s domestic product will have to grow at an annualized rate of more than 4 percent in 2024.

According to the Russian president, “no blackmail and no external attempts to interfere in Russia’s affairs will ever lead to anything,” and Russia “will firmly suppress attempts to undermine the unity of the country,” which will be “ready to respond on all fronts.”