Vucic shared details of his first conversation with Putin in 2.5 years, discussing a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, shared that during an October phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he attempted to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. However, Putin showed no interest in this topic. The conversation was prompted by the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade. Vučić also mentioned that he would be unable to accept an invitation to the BRICS summit and thanked Putin "for ensuring a sufficient supply of gas for the Republic of Serbia this winter."

In his interview with Bloomberg, Vučić noted that when the topic shifted to a ceasefire in Ukraine, Putin responded that "all objectives of the special military operation will be fulfilled". Thus, according to Vučić, he demonstrated a reluctance to engage in discussions about peace.

According to Vučić, the call to Putin was primarily related to his inability to attend the BRICS summit. He stated that such behavior is worthy of true gentlemen, even if the other party hopes for a different response.

"This is important for those who value the rules of gentlemanly conduct," Vučić said, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, even when expectations are not met.

Vučić also urged Western leaders to quickly find ways to end the war in Ukraine. This was despite his own statement that Putin "was not interested" in the issue of a ceasefire in Ukraine.

"Try to establish a truce. This could be the first step towards lasting peace," the President of Serbia emphasized.

The conversation with Putin marked the first interaction between the leaders in the past two and a half years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Serbia's Ties with Russia

Overall, President Aleksandar Vučić had indicated back in June that the global geopolitical crisis might soon escalate into a hot phase. He mentioned this on the sidelines of the Peace Summit in Switzerland. However, there were so many loud statements that the Serbian President's remarks and the Russia sympathizer Aleksandar Vučić were almost overshadowed. He plainly stated that the world is on the brink of tragic events, which cannot be stopped, and even specified a timeframe for when this would occur.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Vučić believes it will continue for another 10 years and will conclude according to a Korean scenario, which envisions a peaceful settlement along the current front line. Vučić expressed this view in an interview at the end of September this year, reflecting on the prospects for ending Russia's war against Ukraine. The Serbian President believes that for the next 10 years, Ukrainians will fight the Russians for every village and city. He also added that Ukraine and Western countries have underestimated Russia's military capabilities.

Despite Serbia being viewed as a country generally favorable towards Russia and maintaining neutrality regarding military assistance, its ammunition has ended up in Ukraine. Promising at the start of the war not to provide military aid to either Kyiv or Moscow, Belgrade has kept its word. However, munitions worth over 800 million euros have still reached the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Although Belgrade did not join Western sanctions and continues to purchase Russian weaponry, the country has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine and is not opposed to Serbian-made shells being supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

It is worth noting that in August, President Vučić stated that a coup was being prepared in Serbia. According to him, he was warned from the Kremlin about the preparations for a state coup in Serbia.