Russia is in ongoing communication with Serbia and has requested urgent consultations regarding the situation following US sanctions on the Serbian oil industry, which mandate the withdrawal of Russian capital from NIS. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the statement during his annual press conference, as reported by RIA Novosti.
Lavrov noted that the situation, even from a legal standpoint, demands bold decisions. He pointed out that the United States and the European Union are pressuring Serbia to turn its back on Russia.
Lavrov emphasized that when Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić states, “We will not deviate from the course of joining the European Union,” it is followed by an ultimatum: “Yes, we are waiting for you here, but first, you must recognize the independence of Kosovo.” Lavrov interpreted this as a call for Serbia to subject itself to humiliation. Additionally, Lavrov said that Serbia is being asked to join the EU sanctions against Russia, which he criticized as another example of external pressure.
