Serbia has offered to host peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stating that the war in Ukraine needs to come to an immediate end.
The Serbia Peace Talks Offer
Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said Serbia is offering its “good services” to host talks on ending the conflict. “Serbia is also among the countries that are offering their good services… to try and, if needed or if there’s an interest, host any kind of talks,” he stated.
Djuric affirmed his country’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He noted that Serbia is “supportive of territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states in line with their U.N. borders.“
Navigating an Independent Foreign Policy
Serbia maintains a unique position, balancing historic ties to Russia with a growing partnership with the United States. While Belgrade has joined U.N. resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion, it has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow.
“Serbia is very proud of its independent foreign and security policy, which has been deeply rooted in the history of our nation,” Djuric said. He also noted Donald Trump’s high popularity in the country, with more than 71% of Serbs holding a favorable opinion of the U.S. president.
Managing U.S. and China Relationships
Concerns in Washington have grown over Serbia China military ties, which included joint military exercises in July and Serbian purchases of Chinese missile systems. China has invested over $10 billion in Serbian infrastructure and, as a U.N.
Security Council member, supports Belgrade’s position on Kosovo.
Djuric acknowledged the relationship, stating China is “an important partner for us.” The U.S. recently sanctioned Serbia’s Russian-owned oil company, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), the country’s main supplier of oil and gasoline.
Responding to Domestic Protests
Internally, the government faces ongoing student-led anti-corruption protests following the Novi Sad railway station collapse, which killed 16 people. The demonstrations have persisted for nearly a year.
Djuric said the government has shown accountability, noting that “Ministers have been replaced. Some of them have been called, held to account and even imprisoned.” He added that the government seeks a “dignified, decent, democratic dialogue” with citizens who disagree with its policies.
