BELGRADE, January 23. /TASS/. Serbia has found itself under colossal pressure from the West because of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday.

"Having a closer look at the past several months, after the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict <…> it has become one of the most serious problems for Serbia," he said in an address to the nation. "First of all, it is simply because we ate in front of everyone, because we have not imposed sanctions against Russia and also because of constant incidents caused by the [Kosovo Prime Minister Albin] Kurti regime."

The Serbian leader has repeatedly said that Serbia would not join the anti-Russian sanctions. On November 10, 2022, he said that his country would impose sanction on Russia only with a sword of Damocles hanging over it."

After the beginning of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, Vucic said in an address to the nation that although Serbia supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity, it will not impose sanctions against Russia. He also announced that Belgrade is suspending army and police drills with all foreign partners. He noted that Serbia considers Russia and Ukraine to be brotherly nations, regrets what is going on in Eastern Europe and is ready to offer humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.