Vucic: The security situation somewhat more complex due to the military alliance of Albania, Croatia, and Pristina

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that the security situation is somewhat more complex than in January, primarily due to the actions and further activities of the military alliance of Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo.

“Our commitment to preserving peace and security has not changed, and this can only be maintained if we are strong enough,” Vucic said after a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the Serbian Armed Forces.

He announced that in the coming days Serbia will sign major contracts for the additional procurement of equipment, weapons, and military gear.

“We are expecting major and important visits, where we also expect further agreements. We have made large orders. The level of manning of military reserves is significantly better than in January, although I was not dissatisfied even then. I believe that in the coming period we will raise everything we discussed today to an even higher level,” Vucic explained.

He emphasized that the Serbian Armed Forces will have capabilities such that nothing will go unnoticed.

“Nothing will escape our notice, we will see everything, we will have strong air defense,” the President of Serbia stressed.

He said that Serbia will have a layered and robust air defense system, consisting of electronic jamming systems as well as equipment for the protection of troops, cities, and critical infrastructure.

He emphasized that the quantity of weapons and military equipment is increasing, along with strength, capacities, and range.

“We will continue to develop further. In addition to increased drone production, where we expect a surge this year, we will significantly focus on the robotization and digitalization of the army. In that regard, we will be the country with the highest level of interoperability in the region,” Vucic said.

Vucic conveyed that, as Commander-in-Chief, he has instructed the Serbian Armed Forces to draft and adopt a strategy for robotization.

“Today, as Commander-in-Chief, I proposed the drafting and adoption of a robotization strategy, the formation of a battalion-level unit equipped with robotic platforms, the implementation of organizational preparations for the formation of divisions and battalions of long-range strike drones and loitering munitions, the training of special reconnaissance units for target coordinate designation to direct artillery and air force fire, further equipping and training for the use of drones in other units, and I also drew historical lessons for our officers. Many of them are legendary commanders from the time of the NATO aggression, and there are also many young officers who have learned from them and from others we have had,” Vucic explained.

Lavrov did not say anything untrue, there will be numerous expectations from Serbia in the coming period from various sides

Regarding the statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that he is “a great politician with experience who understands the mood of his people,” Vucic said that the Russian minister did not say anything untrue and that, as President of Serbia, he will continue to preserve the country’s independent and sovereign position, while also pointing out where the statement was made – during Lavrov’s visit to China – noting that it is clear there will be numerous expectations from Serbia in the coming period from various sides.

Vucic said that Lavrov only stated that he has always said Serbia is on the EU path, the reasons for that, but also that Serbia will always strive to ensure that this is never at the expense of Russian interests, but above all Serbian interests.

“We will try to continue acting in that way, although our room for maneuver is very limited. It is clear, given where that very extensive statement about Serbia was made, that it was an important topic in Lavrov’s meetings with the Chinese leadership. It is clear that there will be numerous expectations from various sides toward Serbia in the coming period. God gives everyone as much burden as they can bear. These are not easy times ahead,” Vucic said.

He added that Lavrov did not say anything untrue, because he, as President of Serbia, has always tried in every way to preserve Serbia’s position, while many others have tried to make such a position impossible.

“So far we have endured, how long we will be able to continue… I was elected by the people to protect their freedom, independence, and sovereignty. And I will do everything in my power to pursue such a policy in the coming period,” Vucic said.

He acknowledged that he is not optimistic about the global situation, but believes that Serbia will make several important steps regarding legislation related to its European path, as well as toward more serious cooperation with the United States, while also improving cooperation with China and the Russian Federation.
“How long all of this can last, I cannot guarantee. It will not be easy, but it has not been simple so far either. Our task is to fight for our country, because we have no higher goal than preserving Serbia,” Vucic underlined.

He also added that soon, within the next 10 days, he will invite the new President of the Republic of Srpska, Sinisa Karan, for an official visit, during which various ceremonies will be organized.