Savic: Vucic's decision not to go to the BRICS summit is pragmatic, it will not affect Serbia-Russia relations

A four-member delegation of ministers will represent Serbia at the BRICS summit in Kazan instead of President Aleksandar Vucic, and economist Ljubodrag Savic says that this is a political decision that must be as it is because of Serbia's European path and the pressures the country faces from the West.

Savic tells Kosovo Online that this will not impact the friendly relations between Serbia and Russia, and that the Russian side understands that this is the only viable solution at the moment.

"This is an extremely difficult time for the entire world, especially for Serbia. We are a country on the European path, and we have numerous obligations in that regard. On the other hand, we have significant problems with our southern province, where we receive support mainly from less developed countries. Most BRICS members support Serbia, and this is the context in which all of this is happening," Savic said.

He adds that it is important to Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, who attends the summit, but they also understand that Serbia is the only European country resisting EU pressures and hasn’t imposed sanctions on Russia.

"We would essentially be the only European country that hasn't imposed sanctions on Russia, as all others, whether EU members or not, have done so under EU pressure. This matters to the host, but they understand that we are the only country resisting Europe's pressure. It is not an ideal solution for Russia or for Serbia, but it is the only viable one at the moment. The friendly relations between Russia and Serbia remain unchanged. This is a political decision that had to be made, given the other factors and the pressures we are facing," he said.

Savic points out that Serbia won’t gain anything from Vucic not attending, but that it would likely have lost if he had gone.

He believes it is a pragmatic decision that will ultimately benefit Serbia.

He also notes that some citizens, not a small number, will be angry with President Vucic and criticize him, but that the Russian side will understand.

"It is important that Serbia is represented at BRICS. It is not the same as if the president had gone, but we sent the deputy prime minister and ministers who will be present at the summit. This is Serbia's direction, without a doubt. If we could choose without consequences tied to the European path and Western pressure, Serbia would be a full BRICS member, but for now, we must tactically delay," Savic said.

He adds that both sides will understand this is only postponing something inevitable, not just for Serbia but for much of the world outside the Western bloc.

Speaking about the BRICS organization itself, Savic reminds that it was formed in the second half of 2002, and notes that more than 40 countries interested in joining BRICS will attend the summit in Kazan.

He emphasizes that BRICS represents an alternative to the Western way of thinking about how the world should function.

"Their approach is simple: if you are with us, you will benefit; if you are not, you will suffer. In fact, the harm of not being with them is much greater than the benefits of being with them. BRICS is a completely different story, where countries are equal, there is no hegemony, no imposition of rules, and no rigid contractual obligations for now. Everything is organized based on mutual interests," Savic said.

President Vucic stated last night that Russian President Vladimir Putin had invited him to the BRICS summit in Kazan but that he had explained Serbia's position, which is why the country will be represented by a four-member delegation of ministers instead.

As he emphasized, he told Putin that Serbia is the only European country that hasn’t imposed sanctions on Russia, which the Russian president deeply appreciates.