Vucic: Serbia is successfully on the European path, has become the site of a hybrid war

President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, emphasized in an interview with TV Prva that Serbia is successfully on its European path while preserving its friendships. He added that the country has become a battleground for a hybrid war involving all foreign intelligence services engaged in current global conflicts.

He highlighted that Serbia’s European trajectory is based on government and parliamentary decisions, stating that this policy was presented in elections. If anyone wants to change it, they must do so through elections.

"Our country has become the site of a hybrid war involving all foreign intelligence services participating in conflicts, whether in Ukraine, the Middle East, or the Pacific. Each side accuses the other of involvement in this war while using the same methods, techniques, and politicians, all under the pretense of freedom and protecting Serbia’s interests, yet working for a third party," he stated.

Vucic admitted that he finds it increasingly difficult to tolerate this situation, adding that Serbia is facing a deep internal division.

"On one side, we love Russia and hate the West. The campaign against Germany, Ursula von der Leyen, and Annalena Baerbock was appalling. I have high regard for Ursula, but not so much for Annalena. However, we cannot conduct campaigns against them. Germany employs 83,000 people in our country, supporting 300,000 lives. We, you, and your TV owner live off this. It’s not a given; we’ve earned it through hard work," he stressed.

Regarding the question of BRICS or the EU, Vucic mentioned that fake surveys by non-existent analysts had been circulating in recent days.

"Among the 42% in favor of BRICS, 55% support the party I’m a member of. The SNS has always represented Serbia and its diversity. My personal stance on any side would clearly tip the scales. We must pursue our policy, and this influence will continue to grow," he added.

He noted that none of his meetings last week were easy, although he felt somewhat more at ease with leaders like Fico and Orban.

Regarding the cancellation of a meeting between Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Miloš Vucevic, Vucic stated that Europeans fear publicizing meetings with Vucevic, who recently received the Russian minister.

For Serbia, he says, it is perfectly normal, but for them, it’s unthinkable.

"About 25 or 26 presidents and prime ministers asked me to explain why we don’t impose sanctions on Russia. I stood alone, facing them all, and then started to fight back. Is it easy? No, it’s very hard. Was it easy to tell Putin I wouldn’t attend the Kazan event? And do you realize the consequences if I had gone and canceled other meetings? Yet, I managed to retain respect from both sides. Serbia’s policy doesn’t change overnight in a bar," he conveyed.

Vucic emphasized that Serbia maintains its friendship with Russia under almost impossible conditions and has exceptional relations with China.

He announced upcoming meetings with numerous officials, stating that until November 23, it will be “like on a conveyor belt.”

When asked if he appeared more concerned than ever, he agreed, saying that his worry was not due to internal politics or the economy, where Serbia faces no issues.

"The reason for concern is Serbia’s fate and the country’s future. Madness has spread," Vucic warned.

Tonino Picula will not dictate Serbia’s policies – I am not obliged to meet with him as an EP rapporteur

Commenting on the selection of Croatian MEP Tonino Picula, a strong critic of Serbia, as the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Serbia, Vucic said that Picula will never influence Serbia’s policies.

He noted that as president, he is not obligated to meet with the EP rapporteur.

"It’s not my obligation. I’ve always met with everyone, but this man called for sanctions on Serbia, accused our church of terrorism, associated it with Apis’s ‘Black Hand’ and the broader intelligence community… He has said many things against Serbia, opposed the Resolution on Jasenovac, and advocated for adopting a Resolution on Srebrenica," Vucic reminded.

He pointed out that Picula has always pursued anti-Serbian policies, saying that he understands Picula’s selection in the European Parliament and has no objection to it.

"Picula will never dictate Serbia’s policies, even if he lives a hundred lives… I guarantee citizens that he won’t be directing our policy at least until May 2027, and after that, a lot of time will need to pass before anyone will be in a position to give orders here," President Vucic stated.

He added that Picula is free to come to Serbia and meet with whoever he wants – representatives of the NGO sector and opposition parties who share his view that the “problem lies with Vucic the villain” rather than Zagreb denying Vucic’s visit to Jasenovac.

"He will have to meet certain requirements set by a sovereign state, to speak more respectfully about Serbia, speak the truth instead of lies, and apologize for past falsehoods. Then he may qualify for a conversation with me," Vucic said.

He added ironically that he’s “not living in fear” of Picula’s reports in the European Parliament.

"Serbia’s policies will be led by those whom the citizens elect, not Tonino Picula," Vucic reiterated.

On the war in Ukraine: I’m concerned because I see the direction things are heading

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Vucic shared that Russian President Vladimir Putin told him in a conversation that the Ukrainians made a mistake near Kursk and would lose there.

"All Western command centers are exploring options. The Ukrainians want to bomb Moscow, but Western strategists know that would be a big mistake. They’re considering a range of 200-300 kilometers from the Ukraine-Russia border to target ammunition depots... However, if they directly intervene in the conflict with Russia, no one knows how Russia will respond—whether they’ll retaliate against Ukraine or with a new type of weaponry or strike third territories," Vucic explained.

That’s why he is concerned, he said—seeing the direction things are moving.

"The Russians cannot afford to lose, and based on the Serbs’ experience in Krajina, they won’t agree to a ceasefire without a resolution. And the West also cannot afford to lose... I urge everyone to think about achieving peace," Vucic stated.

We’ll reconsider our policies, whether Harris or Trump wins

Vucic also announced that next week, a meeting will be held to discuss Serbia’s policy in the event of a victory by the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate for U.S. President—Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.

"We have two unknowns from the U.S. One is less and one is more of an unknown. The majority of Serbian citizens support Trump, but for emotional, not rational reasons. This isn’t a poor reflection on us, but those in charge of policy and decision-making cannot be guided by this," Vucic said.

He noted that both Trump and Harris had run excellent campaigns over the past week.