The war is forcing Russia’s Balkan friends to recalibrate
Even Serbia is uneasy about Vladimir Putin’s aggression
Sounding very sad, Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia’s president, says he has talked to Vladimir Putin but not tried to influence him over the war in Ukraine. “I am a small guy…I have to take care of small issues for my small country.” The war has sent shock waves through the Balkans, but for the leaders of the generally pro-Russian Serbs, it has elevated the political art of ducking and weaving to new heights.
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Changing friends”
Europe July 2nd 2022
- NATO holds its most important summit for decades
- The battle for Snake Island
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz takes taciturnity to new levels
- The war is forcing Russia’s Balkan friends to recalibrate
- Fresh faces on the far right and left fill France’s parliament
- Poland is being given an opportunity to matter in Europe
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