The US appreciates Serbia's efforts in the fight against Russian aggression and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, the State Department announced in response to a question from “Voice of America” regarding the upcoming meeting between Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting, which will be held at the economic forum in Vladivostok today, and the EU has already criticized it, BTA reports.
Washington notes that “their position regarding Alexander Vulin is well known” and he remains under American sanctions, quoted by BTA.
Vulin is a former director of the Serbian intelligence agency BIA. The US imposed sanctions on him in July last year, accusing him of involvement in illegal arms supply, drug trafficking and abuse of power. He is known for his pro-Russian and anti-European positions.
„Our focus remains on working with Serbian leaders to strengthen the strategic partnership between our countries as Serbia continues to build a safe and secure future in Europe that is resilient to political and economic blackmail from Russia,” the State Department stressed.
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Yesterday, Brussels also commented on the announcement of the meeting, pointing out that maintaining ties with Russia during the aggression in Ukraine is not compatible with European values and the accession process.