The Western Balkans, though not officially on the agenda of the three summits in Brussels on 24-25 March, turned out to be the background tune of the high-level meetings as some EU leaders used their time with visiting US President Joe Biden to insist on the region’s importance, writes EURACTIV
“We see pressure as part of an anti-Russian campaign which western politicians define as a total war on Russia. All this has not started now and has the objective of continuing pressure on Russia”, said Lavrov, in statements reported by Serbian media outlets. He said sanctions were not only economic but also affected the world of culture and humanitarian activities.
Stressing the position of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is against sanctions over the need to defend the national interests of Serbia, the Russian diplomatic chief said that the EU includes countries that share Serbia’s vision, like Hungary.
“What surprises is the explosion of a primitive sense of phobia against Russia that leaders of western countries are actively fuelling”. “Such an aggressive anti-Russian line is advantageous for the US and the EU”, said Lavrov. “We witness an attempt by the US to impose their hegemony over the Balkans and on other regions of the world”, added Lavrov.
