Serbia's Deputy PM Reaffirms Ties With Russia, Rejects NATO Alliance

Serbia, a Russian ally, will not impose sanctions against Moscow or join NATO, affirmed the country's deputy prime minister during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Despite Serbia's EU aspirations, it maintains close ties with Russia. Recent Western diplomatic efforts focus on integrating the Balkans to counter Russian influence.

Serbia, a staunch ally of Russia, has reaffirmed its stance to never impose sanctions against Moscow or join NATO, according to its Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin. Vulin met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, stressing the Balkan nation's enduring alliance with Russia.

Despite Serbia's aspirations to join the European Union, the country has avoided aligning with Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Populist President Aleksandar Vucic maintains that imposing sanctions is against Serbia's national interest.

The meeting in Russia's far-eastern city of Vladivostok coincided with recent Western diplomatic efforts, including French President Emmanuel Macron's visit and discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, aimed at pulling Serbia closer to the EU and away from Moscow's sphere of influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)