Vucic for Handelsblatt: Rational approach is needed to end the bloodshed in Ukraine

A rational approach is necessary to end the bloodshed in Ukraine, and with the election of US President Donald Trump, peace is closer, if there is no escalation before he takes office, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in an interview with Germany's Handelsblatt.

When asked whether US-Europe relations will become more challenging under Trump, Vucic noted that many things will change.

He points out that a strategic relationship with China will be very important for Trump and, as he says, Europeans must understand that.

“It is good that Germany has expanded its contacts with China, which now needs to happen at the European level. Trump will turn to Europe, and the EU would be well-advised to establish discussions quickly,” Vucic said.

When asked what needs to be done, Vucic emphasized rationality and long-term strategy rather than short-term political agendas.

“In Europe, we need vision and decisive long-term action to secure our place in the world of the future,” he asserted.

When asked to elaborate on his words, he cited as an example the rhetoric heard daily regarding Ukraine.

“We constantly hear that Ukraine must win at all costs. But is Europe acting accordingly? No. A rational approach is needed to end the bloodshed,” the Serbian President emphasized.

He also expressed concern about Europe losing its influence globally.

“Our share in the global economy is shrinking year by year. Meanwhile, Asia and Africa are growing stronger. Do we want our share of the global economy to halve in the next 10 to 15 years to below 10%?” Vucic asked.

That is why he emphasizes that it is necessary to understand what is happening around all of us in order to face the changing world.

"The sooner this happens, the faster we will recover," Vucic underlined.

He explained this using the example of Germany, noting that the country made its economy competitive thanks to cheap gas from Russia, but that now "reorientation" is not proceeding so quickly.

"Energy is expensive in Germany. Your country urgently needs affordable energy," Vucic said.

His forecast is that, within a year at the latest, the Nord Stream pipeline will be owned by an American investor.

"And through that pipeline, gas will flow from Russia to Europe. Don’t forget my words. One year until Nord Stream is operational," the Serbian president stressed.

When asked about the chances for peace, given that he knows the Russian, Chinese, American, and Ukrainian presidents, he reminded that there was an idea of a truce between December 23 and January 8, during the Catholic and Orthodox Christmas holidays.

"After 15 days of peace, it would be difficult to restart military actions. But I’m not sure whether both sides are ready for something like that. Only when talks begin between the world’s most important players will there be peace. The bloodshed must end as soon as possible," Vucic reiterated.

When asked whether China will use its influence to silence the weapons, Vucic said that he had openly discussed this topic with Chinese President Xi Jinping more than six months ago, specifically on May 8.

"He is a very calm, modest, and fearless character. Xi told me: 'Aleksandar, nothing will change until January. After that, negotiations can begin.' He was referring to the start of the new US president’s term. Hence my hope that talks about peace will start then," Vucic said.

As for whether China would be ready to sincerely mediate, given that it has so far firmly sided with Russia, and considering that experts believe Beijing plays a significant role in supporting Russia's war machine, Vucic said that after his discussions with Xi, he assumes that China will mediate.

"That would be a good sign because China can exert greater influence on Moscow. I’m only concerned that something bad might happen before a truce is reached," Vucic admitted.

When asked what he meant, he explained that he was referring to further escalation in which Russia would respond to attacks with Western missile systems.

"Anyone who thinks that Putin wouldn’t use powerful weapons is mistaken," he said confidently.

Vucic also said that he believes peace will be closer with Trump.

"That would be very important for Europe and for Germany, which is not interested in being drawn into the war. Nor do we in Serbia want that," Vucic said.

When it was noted that the war was started by Russia and that Moscow shows no interest in ending it, Vucic said that this is evident and that "someone else must now negotiate peace."

When asked whether the chance lies in the peace agreement announced by Trump, Vucic said he saw three important points in that discussion.

"Trump will not provide as strong financial support to Ukraine as the current administration. Moreover, he has promised to create peace and will do everything to fulfill that promise, provided the war hasn’t escalated before then," Vucic said.

When asked whether there will be clear winners and losers after the war, Vucic pointed out that the biggest losers of this war are, of course, the Ukrainians, but that the Russians and Europeans are also losing.

"The US and China are profiting. One is strengthening its position in the energy market, and China has now clearly seen how each individual Western country reacts to aggression," he emphasized.

When it was noted that he recently visited Germany, where he spoke with Chancellor Olaf Scholz about the agreed partnership with the EU regarding strategic raw materials, and when asked whether the project is progressing, Vucic replied that it is advancing primarily with the support of the German side.

"This partnership is of great strategic importance for both sides. Germany will be the only country to which we will directly supply lithium. Serbia will thereby position itself as a pillar of Germany’s automotive industry, which needs material for the production of batteries for electric vehicles. So far, Europe has depended on imports from China, Australia, and South America. We want to change that," President Vucic said.