Serbia is moving closer and closer to imposing punitive measures against Russia. Citing Russian sources, the Serbian press is now not only reporting that Belgrade will introduce sanctions, but also the schedule for them. According to unofficial information, flights may be cancelled and a visa requirement introduced for Russian citizens.

Serbia’s position may change under Western pressure

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, there has been enormous international pressure on Serbia to impose sanctions against Moscow. Belgrade, however, has so far rejected this. The Balkan country has been consistent in condemning the war and standing up for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but has not imposed sanctions, citing the traditionally good Russian-Serbian historical, cultural and religious relations. The fact that Serbia is heavily dependent on Russian gas for its energy supply probably also played a major role in this decision.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has reiterated over the past year that his country was resisting international pressure and was pursuing its own interests. A part of that was the rejection to impose sanctions, especially against those who helped to preserve the territorial integrity of the Balkan country. As it is known, Russia has not recognised Kosovo’s independence.

„This is the essence of our policy. We only give up when the the sword of Damocles is hanging over our heads. When that happens, I will not hide it from the people. I will tell everyone,” the president said last year.

It seems that the time mentioned by Mr Vucic seems to be approaching. About two weeks ago, the head of state said that the moment was getting closer when Belgrade would have to impose sanctions against Moscow. There is increasing pressure from the West in this regard, he said. “We are no longer months away from having to take punitive measures,” Mr Vucic stressed.

Serbia’s accession to the EU cannot continue until the country introduces sanctions against Moscow, Brussels stated on several occasions.

Photo: Government of Serbia

Speaking about that, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said the other day that any reforms would be in vain as unless sanctions against Russia are introduced. She added that Belgrade’s EU accession process cannot be accelerated and Serbia cannot open new chapters until that. So far Kosovo and the rule of law had been the main conditions, but Brussels’ focus now seems to have shifted to introducing sanctions, the premier pointed out in her speech assessing the first 100 days of her cabinet.

The Serbian president’s above statement was of course also followed in Russia, because Serbia is one of the rare European countries that has so far held firm and not imposed sanctions. Now, however, some Russian media outlets are reporting that this is about to change, direktno.rs reports.

Southern News Service (Южная служба новостей), one of the largest regional news agencies in Russia, reported that the Serbian president had ordered ministries to reduce their relations with Moscow to a minimum. The Russian website Sova-news.com wrote the same, adding a precise schedule on what measures Belgrade may introduce and when. The portal wrote that visa restrictions against Russian citizens will be imposed in March, with the main restrictions coming into force before the summer, adding that Serbs are cautious about those sanctions to ensure that the measures cause the least damage to their own economy.

People are against sanctions

Izvestia, a major Russian daily with close ties to the Kremlin, also reported on possible Serbian sanctions. The paper quoted smaller Russian media outlets as having previously reported that Vucic had allowed Serbia to join the sanctions against Moscow under Western pressure, adding that the Balkan country had already started to prepare the first measures.

Izvestia, on the other hand, called those allegations unfounded. Vladimir Dukanovic, an MP of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, denied that sanctions are expected.

„All of this is a lie,” the politician briefly said.

Izvestia also notes that the Russian Embassy in Belgrade has not indicated receiving any information on Serbia imposing sanctions. Ivan Kostic, an MP of the right-wing opposition Dveri Movement also spoke to the Russian news agency, saying that Serbia’s imposition of punitive measure will be prevented by the people themselves. He believes that 80 per cent of the people reject the use of sanctions against Russia. The latest polls indeed show that the overwhelming majority of the Serbs, or 71 per cent, are against the introduction of sanctions.