Vucic: I believe we are on the path to finding solutions that would not mean a catastrophe for Serbs in Kosovo

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, stated this evening that he hopes that, with the assistance of European partners, attempts to resolve the problems that could arise for Serbs as a result of the entry into force of the Law on Foreigners in Kosovo will succeed, adding that he believes “we are on the path to finding solutions that would not mean a catastrophe for the Serbian people.” He also announced that next week he will travel to the field, on the side of central Serbia, to speak with Serbs who cross the administrative crossing about ways in which the state can further assist them.

Responding to a question regarding the policy of the United States toward Kosovo, Vucic told RTS that this policy will not change strategically or fundamentally and that it would be naive to believe otherwise, but added that he believes the United States will show greater understanding for the interests of Serbs in Kosovo.

“They were strongly opposed to the imposition of the Law on Foreigners during its first reading. We hope that, together with the Europeans, who have shown themselves to be constructive and willing to assist in everything, we will be able to attempt to resolve the problem that is expected to arise starting Monday. If we succeed in that, it will be a major achievement,” Vucic emphasized.

He recalled that the Law on Foreigners would affect around 10,000 Serbs, whose survival in their homes would be jeopardized, as well as around 500 professors working at the University of Pristina with temporary headquarters in Kosovska Mitrovica, and a somewhat smaller number of doctors and teachers.

“I believe we are on the path to finding solutions that would not mean a catastrophe for our people, although there are no easy solutions,” the President of Serbia stressed, adding that this represents an attack by Pristina on the education and healthcare sectors.

He announced that next week he will speak with Serbs from Kosovo.

“Already next week, I hope, when all of this begins, I will go and sit on the side of central Serbia, in that container, and wait for our people who are entering and leaving through the administrative crossing, in order to speak with them and see what else we can do to help our people. I have already had discussions today on this matter. Many people are deeply concerned about their lives, and I want to be with them and help them,” Vucic noted.

He also said that new measures are being planned as a form of assistance and support for Serbs in Kosovo.

“In addition to the measure of 20,000 dinars, we will consider introducing additional measures for the poorest people in Kosovo and Metohija, including one-time assistance from the state, to demonstrate how much we care about them and how much we ask them to remain in their homes and preserve the Serbian name and surname. Although it is easier to say that from Belgrade, I say it while understanding the broader interests of Serbia and the Serbian people. It is a request, and I am ready to hear anything they believe we can do more,” Vucic said.

Kosovo is a nightmare for all people who cherish freedom

Commenting on recent developments in Pristina, possible new elections, and the statement by Richard Grenell that “everything is being prepared for the return of Hashim Thaçi,” Vucic said that Serbs in Kosovo have the most difficult situation under Albin Kurti, but that there are no strategic differences.

Referring to the words of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who said that Kosovo is Vucic’s “nightmare,” he stated that Kosovo is a nightmare for all people around the world who cherish freedom.

“You can see it even from Rama’s statement, and I thank him for saying it – he praised me. He said that Kosovo is my nightmare. Kosovo is a nightmare for all people of freedom-loving orientation throughout the world, because Kosovo opened Pandora’s box. None of what is happening in the world today would be taking place if they had not done what they did with Kosovo,” Vucic underlined.

In that context, he mentioned Denmark, which today faces the issue of American claims regarding Greenland.

“We support the territorial integrity of Denmark because we adhere to international law and the UN Charter. Denmark was the first European country to recognize Kosovo’s independence. And what is happening to them today… Everything turns around when you fail to respect international law,” the President of Serbia noted.

He also observed that although it had been said that Russia would awaken Europe, it was actually Trump who awakened Europe. As a result, he added, Germany and Italy are arming themselves “at an incredible speed,” investing enormous resources, noting that he “does not see much defensive weaponry.”

Serbia has sufficient deterrent strength against the military Alliance of Croatia, Albania, and Pristina

Vucic stressed that Serbia possesses sufficient deterrent capability against the military alliance of Albania, Croatia, and Pristina.

“We are preparing for their attack, because a military alliance was not created in order to defend against us, but to attack us. They are only waiting for the right moment, which will occur in the future when a larger conflict breaks out between Europeans and Russians, and a greater conflict in the Middle East,” Vucic said.

He emphasized that everything being done is aimed at defending the country.

“We cannot and do not wish to attack NATO countries, and Croatia and Albania are NATO members. But do I doubt their intentions? I do, and I believe they are only waiting for a favorable moment when general chaos emerges in the world and an opportunity presents itself,” he explained.

Vucic stated that citizens should not worry because Serbia has sufficient deterrent strength against the military alliance of two countries and one entity.

“You can sleep peacefully; Serbia is strong enough to preserve its territorial integrity, freedom and the security of its citizens. They will not attack us not because they do not want to, but because they know what the response would be,” he stressed.

He emphasized that Serbia’s policy is peace and stability, as well as the preservation of its freedom.

“We will not attack anyone else, but we will not give our territory and freedom to anyone. And no one will decide about the Serbian Army except Serbia itself – neither Tirana, nor Zagreb, nor anyone else,” he said.

Asked to comment on the warning addressed to NATO by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic regarding Serbia’s new armaments, Vucic said that he is the president of a numerically and territorially small country and that it is natural to feel concern due to the military alliance of Pristina, Tirana and Zagreb.

“I want peace, not war and conflict. Out of nowhere, military cooperation and a military alliance appear between Pristina and Zagreb. Of course I feel concern; above all I must preserve the stability of the country. I am the only one truly elected in elections. When you create a military alliance with an entity and do not explain why you have done so, while it is clear to us why… Plenkovic said it is not directed against Serbia and that we attach too much significance to it. I listened to him and that is it. Do I still feel a certain level of unease and concern? I do,” he added.

Vucic said that for a year he has listened to claims that Serbia is arming itself, even though Serbia bought used Rafale aircraft, while Croatia bought new ones, and that Croatia will receive the Meteor missile, meaning that they are stronger, while Serbia remains silent.

“I say yes, precisely because you are strong, I feel a degree of concern when you form military alliances. I would not underestimate the strength of the Serbian Army, and even less theirs. They were surprised when they saw that we possess those missiles. We have things we do not show,” he emphasized.

Speaking about air-to-ground missiles possessed by Serbia, he said that these are missiles of devastating power.

“We have a significant number of those missiles and we will have even more. They were used in the conflict between Pakistan and India. They destroyed the S-400 radar system. Chinese weaponry proved extremely effective in the conflict between Pakistan and India. They managed to destroy a French radar and the S-400 radar system. We have many things you have not seen, and we will continue to acquire more,” he added.

Regarding relations with NATO, he said that they are correct and good and that Serbia will continue to develop them, but will not become a member of that military alliance.

“We will soon have exercises with NATO, we will do everything to maintain stable relations, we have no hostilities, but as long as I am president, Zagreb will not decide how Serbia protects its integrity,” he stressed.

He said he is proud that during the time he served as prime minister or president, Serbia has had no wars and no conflicts, and that the country has remained stable even during attempts to destabilize it over the past 14 months.

For Serbia the most important thing is no borders, security and a common market

Asked whether Serbia would agree to join the European Union without the right of veto and its own commissioner, Vucic said that such a scenario is possible at present.

“For us the most important thing is that there are no borders, that there is security and safety, and a common market. We would be a loyal part of Europe. That is something that is possible now; everything else is a long-term issue,” he explained.

He added that he would be happiest if Serbia became part of the EU in that manner.

On the war between Russia and Ukraine

Vucic stated that his view of the future is that everyone will live in “terrible times”, adding that Serbia must therefore prepare for such circumstances.

“How do you think the war between Ukraine and Russia will end now? Do you really think we negotiate now and the war ends? That cannot happen. Someone must be very close to victory for the other side to accept it. It is very difficult for Russia to win, and the question is whether it can, but what is certain is that Russia cannot allow itself the luxury of losing because it possesses many nuclear warheads – and it will not. Ukraine will become a new suprastructure at the European level with strengthened cooperation between Germany and Italy. France has a somewhat different position. When you look at all of that, you cannot now end the Russia–Ukraine war, regardless of what anyone tells you. Trump is surprised, but you may be surprised as much as you like. There is no end to that conflict. There will be no end in the coming months,” he explained.

On the conflict in the Middle East

Vucic stated that in the Middle East, Gulf countries are in conflict with Iran because Iran disrupted their peace and stability, while at the same time the United States attacked Iran.

“And where will our oil come from? Tomorrow fuel prices are being determined, and we still do not know what decision we will present; that awaits us tonight. I am pessimistic and expect even greater conflicts. That is why we will be prepared with deterrent means to respond to anyone,” he emphasized.

Serbia has done a great deal to preserve good relations with Russia

Vucic stressed that Serbia has done a great deal to preserve good relations with Russia, more than any other country in Europe.

“Sometimes I regret that some countries that imposed sanctions still maintain more friendly relations with them. It was not easy for me regarding NIS. I owe accountability to the citizens of Serbia. I respect Russia and Europe, but I love Serbia the most in the world. And when I see that some other countries are more important when it comes to buying something, and not us—even though I have a very good relationship with Orbán—was I happy when I saw that they chose Orbán and Hungary rather than us? No, I was not. What did you expect, that I would jump with joy?” he asked.

He said that he had discussed the matter with Vladimir Putin twice in person.

“He presented me with a list, reading from it, and based on what he read I realized who had given him the list. I told him, ‘One of the traitors provided that.’ I said, ‘Only I and one other person saw that list, and you mentioned a country to which we do not even export hunting cartridges. Since only that person and I saw it, I now know who gave it to you.’ He was fair. When we left, he said, ‘At least you were partially right—you know what your job is,’” Vucic recounted.