Kremlin reacts to Serbian election outcome

Moscow is willing to work with the incoming government of the former opposition for mutual benefit, Dmitry Peskov has said

Russia is willing to maintain mutually beneficial relations with Serbia after the opposition Student List movement forms a new government following its election victory, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.

Outgoing Serbian leader Aleksandar Vucic has conceded defeat for his United Serbia coalition in Sunday’s vote. Peskov on Monday hailed Vucic for playing a constructive role in maintaining ties with Moscow amid pressure by the European Union.

“We express hope that their actions will similarly be aimed constructively at further development of our relationship and that these new political forces realize that cooperation with Russia meets Serbia’s interests,” he said.

“But, as you know, it takes two to tango,” the official added.

Vucic, who Peskov noted intends to remain involved with Serbian politics, previously claimed that Student List candidates intend to bend to Brussels’ pressure and impose anti-Russian sanctions as soon as next spring. The movement has denied such plans on the campaign trail.

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The Student List is projected to secure a majority in the parliament, positioning it to form a single-party government.

Serbia has been on the road to join the European Union for over a decade, having been granted candidate status in 2012. Following the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict, Brussels made alignment of foreign policy mandatory for nations seeking EU membership, forcing Belgrade to choose between making progress on its path or maintaining its traditionally good relations with Russia.