Vucic: We have never demonstrated any intention to reclaim what belongs to us by force

Serbia has never demonstrated any intention to reclaim by force what rightfully belongs to it, nor would it do so. However, it is useful to know that there are those prepared to defend conduct that is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic stated today, commenting on remarks by former Croatian Minister of Defence Ante Kotromanovic, who claimed that “Vucic would have deployed his forces to Kosovo had Russia defeated Ukraine within a month” and that “no one would have been able to stop him.”

“It is good that he has told us they are the guardians of an order established in opposition to the United Nations system, in opposition to UN Security Council Resolution 1244. We have never shown any intention to reclaim by force what belongs to the Republic of Serbia, nor would we. But it is important to know that they are prepared, even by force, to defend unlawful conduct and conduct contrary to the UN Charter. This is not the first time, but it is good to hear it openly. I am not concerned about them,” Vucic stated at the marking of the Day of the Special Purpose Military Police Detachment “Cobras.”

“Cobras” – One of the Pillars of Serbia’s Security System

Addressing those present at the “Vasa Carapic” barracks, Vucic emphasized that the “Cobras” represent one of the pillars of Serbia’s security system.

“Today, your unit is one of the pillars of the defense system, the overall fight against terrorism, and the preservation of the security system of the Republic of Serbia,” Vucic underlined, adding that the unit’s direct subordination to the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces reflects its institutional importance and responsibility.

According to him, the unit should be further reinforced.

“There must be more of you, as this further strengthens our security system and preserves stability and peace in our country,” Vucic said.

He particularly highlighted that, at a time when some soldiers were leaving the service because they did not wish to go to Kosovo, members of the “Cobras” responded with full participation.

“You have never been late anywhere. You were able to wait even in the most difficult conditions, to react quickly and adapt in challenging situations. I thank you for your effort, work, and dedication, and I will never forget that when around 3.5 to 4 percent of soldiers were leaving their posts because they did not want to risk their lives during the crisis in Kosovo and Metohija, the members of the Cobras responded 100 percent. Not a single man or woman wanted to leave the unit or abandon their people and their country,” Vucic stated.

Military Neutrality as a Strategic Commitment

Vucic stressed that Serbia has opted for military neutrality and is committed to preserving it.

“It is impossible to preserve and protect military neutrality without significant strength and substantial investment. That is why we will continue to invest—in you—so that every child and every mother in our country feels safe, and so that we can ensure a secure future for all of us,” he said.

He emphasized that Serbia is the only country in the region that is genuinely militarily neutral.

“All others either belong or aspire to belong to a military alliance. We alone wish to protect our sky and our land, and to decide independently about our own future. Therefore, I do not view this expenditure as a cost, but as an investment in the country’s security, stability, and future,” the President stated.

Mandatory Military Service Likely to Begin on March 1

Vucic also stated that it is realistic for mandatory military service to resume on March 1.

“It is realistic that all preparations will be completed, that recruitment notices will begin in September or October, and that military service will commence on March 1. This is no longer like in our time when service lasted a full year. Now it will last 75 days—almost negligible compared to 365 days. However, young men will develop new habits, responsibility, and seriousness, and will better understand what the state represents. At the same time, the state will become significantly stronger,” Vucic said.

He added that incentives will be provided for the construction of military centers and the renovation of barracks in border areas, from Sombor to Pirot and from Priboj to Zajecar.

Serbia to Develop Advanced Drones in Cooperation with Israel

The President announced that Serbia will jointly develop drones with Israel, noting that the country will possess the most advanced drones in this part of the world.

Commenting on claims that Israel would independently build a drone factory in Serbia, Vucic questioned whether such statements were intended as criticism or praise.

“I believe they are praising us. We cannot produce drones of the quality that Israel can. I take pride in that—we will develop them jointly, on a fifty-fifty basis. This demonstrates that we will have the best drones in this part of the world,” Vucic concluded.