EXCLUSIVE: In an exclusive interview with Digital, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that Belgrade is prepared to facilitate peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
The foreign minister remarked, “Serbia, given its history and its amicable relations with all parties involved, is one of the nations extending its good offices to host discussions, should there be interest or a need, aimed at ending this terrible tragedy that has caused immense loss of life and destruction.”
He emphasized that the conflict must cease immediately. “Serbia, in principle, upholds the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states within their U.N.-recognized borders,” a stance that includes Ukraine.
This proposal from the foreign minister to host peace discussions between Ukraine and Russia follows the cancellation of a previously suggested summit in Hungary between President and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Analysts suggest that Serbia could be an unexpected venue for the next round of ceasefire negotiations between , largely due to the enduring historical links between Russia and Serbia, particularly their shared cultural and religious heritage via the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Although Serbia has supported U.N. resolutions denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the referendums annexing Ukrainian regions, Belgrade has declined to impose targeting Russia for the invasion. Nevertheless, Djuric highlighted that both Ukraine and Russia acknowledge Serbia’s territorial integrity concerning Kosovo.
Djuric attended a Security Council session in New York focused on Kosovo. A NATO bombing campaign, lasting nearly three months in 1999, concluded a conflict between Serbian government forces and ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo. While Serbian forces withdrew, Belgrade continues to regard Kosovo as a Serbian province.
Certain European officials have raised doubts about Serbia’s dedication to European unity. Foreign Minister Djuric responded by asserting that Serbia cherishes its position in Europe, bridging East and West, and furthermore, he noted the nation’s strong ties with the U.S.
He stated, “Serbia takes great pride in its independent foreign and security policy, a policy deeply embedded in our nation’s history, which has allowed us to maintain independence for centuries, despite our small size.” He added, “We highly value our expanding strategic partnership with the United States, a relationship supported by bipartisan consensus within our country.”
Djuric further elaborated, “We hold our growing strategic partnership with the United States in high regard, where bipartisan consensus exists in this nation. However, it’s also important to consider that President Trump is significantly the most favored foreign leader in our country and among Serbs overall. Indeed, President Trump’s popularity in Serbia is unmatched when compared to other European countries. Over 71% of Serbs view the U.S. president and his policies very favorably, which truly provides a strong foundation for strengthening our relationship.”
Nonetheless, Serbia’s , largely perceived as the United States’ primary economic and military rival globally, have sparked some apprehension in Washington.
Recently, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Serbia’s primary oil and gasoline provider, the Russian-owned oil company Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS).
In July, China carried out military exercises in Serbia, disregarding strong admonitions from the European Union, and Belgrade offers Beijing a security presence in Europe. Additionally, Serbia has acquired medium- and short-range surface-to-air missile systems from China.
China’s most significant involvement in Serbia is economic, with over $10 billion invested in infrastructure projects during the past 15 years, as reported by the Center for European Policy Analysis.
Djuric commented, “I must also acknowledge that we maintain excellent economic relations with China, which also backs our stance on Kosovo by recognizing Serbia and its U.N. borders. Consequently, as a U.N. Security Council member, they represent a crucial partner for us.”
Djuric stated that the great power rivalry between the U.S. and China is “beyond the purview of a small Balkan nation” and affirmed that the Serbian government intends to remain focused on its economic advancement.
On the domestic front, Serbia has experienced almost a year of student-led anti-corruption protests, ignited by demands for justice and accountability following the deaths of 16 individuals in a railway station collapse in Novi Sad. Across the European Union, critics have condemned the Serbian security forces for their forceful handling of these protests.
Djuric expressed his desire to initiate a sincere dialogue with the demonstrators and to identify methods for reducing tensions.
Djuric asserted, “We respect the perspectives of our citizens who hold differing views from the government, and I wish to refrain from labeling anyone. I am confident that we possess the maturity for a dignified, appropriate, democratic dialogue, and we will consistently advocate for democracy in Serbia.”
He added, “In the aftermath of the Novi Sad tragedy, the Serbian government has demonstrated accountability. Ministers have been replaced, with some individuals being held responsible and even imprisoned. Since then, the government has been reshuffled to include Professor [Djuro] Macut, a university professor who is now our prime minister. President Vucic’s ongoing vision is to unite the Serbian populace, resolve political differences, and foster a society built on dialogue and social cohesion, rather than polarization.”
Contributions from The Associated Press were included in this article.