12:02,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic intends to maintain the independent policy on rejection of anti-Russian sanctions despite the colossal Western pressure, he said in an exclusive interview with TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov.

"When the conflict in Ukraine started, I said that I don’t know how the events would unfold. And then we made a decision to condemn the conflict at the state level, just like everyone else, but we said that it is our position not to impose sanctions [against Russia]. I said it back then, because we know from our own experience what it feels like when sanctions are being imposed against us. We have a friendly nation, and it would have been unfair to do so to the Russian people," Vucic pointed out.

"But I have told the Serbs that I cannot guarantee that, because I don’t know what all this pressure will be like in the future. I was unwilling to play a hero for a day or two and then change my decision. But the fact that I say 'I don’t know,' and when I say 'I don’t know' - my word costs more than someone else’s firm promise," the head of state noted.

"Two years have passed [since the beginning of the special military operation.] Serbia is the only European country that has not imposed any sanctions. You have many friends in all European countries, and all of them have imposed sanctions against Russia. Some would say that it is the central authority that has imposed them and that they are against them; some would say that they have imposed sanctions against you but they help you in other matters. The small Serbia is the only country that has not imposed any sanctions," Vucic underscored, adding that "sanctions against Russia are the main topic" at every international event attended by him.

"We do not beat our breast or anything, but, as you can see, my answer will be the same in the future, that we will try to defend our position for as long as possible. We have been able to do that for two years already. I don’t know if we will keep doing that, but I hope for it," the head of state concluded.

After the beginning of the special military operation, Vucic said in his address to the nation that Serbia supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but will not impose sanctions against Russia. He announced that the republic temporarily suspended all military and police exercise with foreign partners. Vucic noted that Serbia considers Russia and Ukraine brotherly nations and regrets the events in Eastern Europe. He also announced that Belgrade is ready to provide humanitarian aid to Kiev.