Serbia-Russia cooperation — Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandar Bocan-Harčenko stated that cooperation between Moscow and Belgrade will continue regardless of the outcome of the upcoming elections. In an exclusive interview with RT Balkan, he expressed confidence that Serbia’s stance of not imposing sanctions on Russia will remain.

Bocan-Harčenko argued that any political party must consider public opinion, noting that a majority in Serbia desires closer ties with Russia. “It seems to me it is hard for a party to get a good result if it says it is against cooperation with Russia,” he said. He highlighted Serbia’s long-standing policy of balanced relations with both the West and with Russia and China.

The ambassador suggested there is significant Western interest in drawing Serbia into the camp of countries that have imposed sanctions. He praised Serbia for standing apart and “quite principledly” refusing sanctions, a stance he believes is grounded in national interest and will persist.

Bocan-Harčenko emphasized that Russia views its relations with Serbia as well-founded and stable. “We will not interfere in internal affairs; the choice of the Serbian people will be acceptable to us,” he concluded.