INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
as a decision was expected regarding Vucic's participation in the BRICS summit this week.Serbia, a European Union candidate, has refused to
impose sanctions on Russia, maintaining close and friendly relations.However, since the invasion of Ukraine, Serbia has condemned the
violation of Kyiv's territorial integrity, and Vucic has had limited bilateral talks with Putin."I particularly thanked President Putin for
ensuring that Russia will provide sufficient quantities of gas for Serbia this winter," Vucic said in a social media video message.Serbia
was completely dependent on Russian gas when Moscow's forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022.Since then, following the lead of many EU
countries, Serbia has worked on finding alternative sources but remains partially reliant on Moscow.In his first direct talk with Putin
since May 2022, Vucic reiterated that Serbia will not change its stance on refraining from sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine
conflict."Serbia will not impose sanctions on the Russian Federation
That will not change," Vucic said.The Kremlin in a statement said that the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the level of bilateral
relations, based on "spiritual, cultural, and historical commonalities.""The situation in Ukraine was also discussed
Vladimir Putin provided his assessment of the course of the special military operation," the Kremlin said, adding that the two leaders
agreed to continue maintaining contact.Russia is awaiting an official response to Putin's September invitation for Vucic to attend the
22 to 24."If I say I'm going to Kazan, it will signal the end of Serbia's European path
If I say something else, they'll claim I've betrayed the Russians," Vucic said earlier in the week, adding that he would announce his
decision on the trip by Monday.Sunday's phone call between the two leaders was intended to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of
Belgrade from German occupation during World War II.
