Vucic: What’s happening in the world is increasingly getting out of control

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warned this evening that global events are not heading in a positive direction and that what is unfolding will increasingly spiral out of control. He emphasized that Serbia must strengthen its military in response to these developments.

"The events occurring in the world, especially the escalation of the situation in Ukraine, are not moving in a good direction. My prediction is that everything happening will increasingly get out of control. Every statement, from either side, is at the very least not de-escalatory. I fear this will only lead to greater conflicts and problems, as well as what we wish to avoid at all costs – a larger-scale conflict," Vucic said in an interview with TV Pink.

He stressed that Serbia must bolster its military to deter potential aggressors and prepare for other contingencies.

"As for shelters, our numbers are devastating. Our first report from public companies and the military regarding shelters and how many people we could accommodate in them is – devastating. We will have to make major improvements. Since 2011 or 2012, all investments and budget allocations for the company managing shelters ceased. Since then, they’ve been in significant trouble. Now, we need to correct this systematically," Vucic explained.

On Milos Jovanovic’s Criticism: I Betrayed Kosovo, Not You?

Vucic responded to accusations from New DSS leader Milos Jovanovic that he "betrayed Kosovo," reminding Jovanovic that he was part of the government that, in Vucic’s words, actually handed over Kosovo. He emphasized that as president, he brought the topic back to the negotiating table.

"I betrayed Kosovo? And not you? You, who remained silent, yet were part of the government, a ‘pillar of salt’ of that government, an advisor to Slobodan Samardzic on Kosovo policy," Vucic remarked.

He listed Jovanovic’s involvement in the government in 2001 and 2002, during what Vucic described as the deception of the "standards before status" mantra, as well as in 2004, during the March pogrom when 11 people were killed, and 30 churches and monasteries destroyed.

"You were silent then, not saying a word. And in 2006, when you began negotiations in Vienna to give up Kosovo and handed it over in 2008, while I brought it back to the table… And then you lynched me, saying: ‘We don’t want Northern Kosovo or Pomoravlje, it’s not enough.’ Not enough, because you decided to give it all away… So I’m the traitor, but you’re not?" Vucic added.

Serbia Must Fight

He also stated that he expects U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to primarily turn against the EU.

"I expect Trump to turn against the EU. Is that true or not? That’s my view. He will act aggressively against China, strike a deal with China, and then turn to the other side. This is not good news for Serbia either, as we are most dependent on the European economy. We must prepare financial buffers and get as ready as possible," Vucic concluded.