We show that we can think for ourselves and make our own decisions. No, I am not afraid of the EU’s reaction. I have already been brought under US sanctions, I was told that any connection with Russia is unacceptable. And it is unacceptable for me to lead Serbia without a connection with Russia. We have never stood up to the Russians in history. Never.

The EU, of course, will put pressure on us. Not only the EU, but also NATO. And, of course, they will put pressure on our president Alexander Vucic. But we are Serbs, we will not get involved in other people’s wars. Never in history has Russia opposed itself to Serbia. So why should we now become the first generation of the Serbian people to oppose Russia? Europe behaves as just a collection of territories, not as a union of states. They don’t have their own interests. They are decided for them, they are told what they have to do, and they do it. Serbia is not. It is not the past that connects us with Russia, but the future. Because the values that we and you live for are the values of the future. We believe that there is a world in which there is no one power, where questions are asked to free countries.

President Putin never told Serbia, if you join the EU, forget about Russia. And the EU often tells us, if you want to join the EU, forget Russia. Do you see the difference? And that’s the difference between the two forces.

@lydigovorat