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Vucic says Serbia is ready for EU membership, but not for NATO

"Serbia wants to jealously guard its military neutrality and strengthen it," the Serbian President stressed

BELGRADE, February 3. /TASS/. Serbia continues its efforts to join the European Union, but does not intend to become part of NATO, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday during his speech at a session of the National Assembly (the country's parliament).

"Serbia is on the European path, and as for Atlantic integration, Serbia does not want to join NATO. Serbia wants to jealously guard its military neutrality and strengthen it. There is a difference between the European integration and Atlantic integration," the RTS TV channel quoted Vucic as saying in response to the opposition representative’s address to comment on the issue of joining NATO.

Vucic has previously noted that Serbia had never planned to join NATO for logical reasons, despite various statements and assessments, and intended to maintain its military neutrality in the future.

NATO’s war of aggression against Yugoslavia began on March 24, 1999, and dragged on for 78 days. The operation, dubbed Allied Force, cited "the prevention of the genocide of Albanians in Kosovo" as its main cause. According to NATO statistics, during the operation, the Alliance’s aviation carried out 38,000 sorties, over 10,000 of them being bombing runs.

According to Serbian officials, the bombing resulted in the deaths of 3,500 to 4,000 people, while some 10,000 people were injured, two-thirds of them being civilians. Material damage was upwards of $100 billion.

During the three months of bombing, NATO dropped 15 metric tons of depleted uranium as bombs on Serbian soil. After that, Serbia became the number one country in Europe in cancer incidence, as during the first 10 years after the bombings, some 30,000 people came down with cancer in the country, and between 10,000 and 18,000 of them died.

Putin’s inauguration speech evokes key principle of Peace of Westphalia — analyst

"It is of existential importance that President Putin reiterated, in his inauguration speech, his openness to have a dialogue with the West," Helga Zepp-LaRouche said

Macron denies death of French troops in Ukraine out of fear of protests — SVR head

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French Army is "visibly concerned" over the growing number of French citizens killed in Ukraine

Chinese diplomat comments on Blinken’s warning on support to Russia

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that the US was supplying Ukraine with arms and ammunition and at the same time making unfounded accusations regarding trade between China and Russia

Arms supplies to Kiev unlikely to drastically change situation on battlefield — US expert

In Peter Kuznick opinion, despite Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's assertions, "Ukraine is not going to drive every Russian soldier from the country"

Russia vows not to deport Ukrainian citizens missing ‘green card’ deadline

The Interior Ministry said that this procedure does not cover the citizens who were released from imprisonment, who pose a threat to national or public security, who presented forged IDs or reported false information

French military already present in Donbass — French journalist

Christelle Neant said that the Ukrainian armed forces is drafting people with no military experience as part of its mobilization campaign and sends them to the frontline after "just two or three weeks of training"

Polish judge asks for political asylum in Belarus

Tomasz Szmydt noted that he currently considers returning to Poland impossible, including due to safety reasons

Cooperation within EAEU positive for all five members, including Armenia — Putin

"Armenia’s trade with the EAEU countries has rocketed 14-fold," the president said

Lukashenko, Putin talk ahead of EAEU summit

Earlier, the Belarusian leader said that during the visit he expected to discuss their partnership and tactical nuclear weapons with his Russian counterpart

CSTO aware of Armenia's decision to stop funding organization — source

Armenia remains a member state of the CSTO, the source stressed

Russia may strike Britain's military facilities if London's threats materialize — MFA

Maria Zakharova described British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s remark that London considered it legitimate for the Kiev regime to use British weapons for strikes on Russian territory as "something absolutely insane"

EU envoys approve plan for Ukraine's obligations to carry out reforms

Payments under the 50 bln euro program will be issued to Kiev in stages, as its obligations are fulfilled

US losing favor around world, while Russia's image improving — poll

The US’ image saw the biggest dip in the Middle East and North Africa (12 percentage points on average), as well as in Europe (seven percentage points)

About 15,000 children killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023 — authorities

At least 30 children died of malnutrition

FSB declassifies documents about Nazi Germany’s crimes in Crimea

As part of the No Limitations Period project, the FSB department for Crimea and Sevastopol declassified archival documents about the Great Patriotic War, including reports, reconnaissance data, protocols of interrogations of German captives

Putin to participate in EAEU summit — his first international event of new term

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China supports Serbia in defending its sovereignty on Kosovo issue — Xi

Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Serbia on May 7-8

IMF warns against violations related to use of Russian assets for helping Ukraine

Deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund Gita Gopinath said that rebuilding mutual trust among countries requires a lot of time and effort and called for preserving "some of the enormous gains from economic integration"

Multiple documents adopted during EAEU summit in Moscow

One document marks the beginning of negotiations on a trade agreement with Mongolia

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Problem of protectionism on EAEU markets requires urgent solution — Belarusian president

Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the government procurement system in the markets of the EAEU countries

Kiev forces view journalists wearing 'press' vests as primary target — war reporter

Christelle Neant recommended using small "press" labels in order to help Russian troops identify media workers

Ukrainian army leaving positions near Avdeyevka over Russia’s incessant gunfire — POW

The escape gives only a few a chance to survive as frequently incessant Russian artillery accurate strikes rule out this option for Ukrainian troops, Yury Yurechko noted

Russian embassy expresses regret over London’s new restrictions

Earlier in the day, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly announced in parliament that the British authorities will expel Russia’s defense attache, impose new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas and remove diplomatic status from some Russian properties

NATO wants 'hot war' with Russia which may destroy US, Carlson says

According to the journalist, everything that Washington does shows that it wants this war

Belarusian president urges faster implementation of decisions within EAEU amid sanctions

Taking into account the introduction of a new mechanism for financial support for industrial cooperation, Alexander Lukashenko asked the Eurasian Economic Commission to proactively get involved in this work and organize interaction "both across industries and with the involvement of business associations and unions of EAEU member states"

Putin’s inauguration kicks off in Kremlin

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EAEU proves its effectiveness in the face of sanctions challenges — Putin

According to the president, the EAEU institutions and mechanisms are constantly fine-tuned, which makes it possible to adapt to changes and develop dynamically despite the crisis phenomena in the global economy

Aleksandar Vucic greets Chinese leader at Belgrade Airport

The ceremony on the occasion of the visit of the 400-strong Chinese delegation will take place at Palata Srbije

Armenian PM tells Putin he wants to discuss bilateral relations

The Armenian prime minister thanked the Russian leader for the warm reception and perfect organization of the summit of the Eurasian Economic Union

Xi arrives on state visit in Hungary

The key topics of talks in Budapest are expected to include bilateral economic ties and the conflict in Ukraine

Putin may hold bilateral meeting with Lukashenko in Kremlin later on Wednesday

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Annual inflation in Russia speeds up to 7.81% over week — Economy Ministry

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IN BRIEF: Unity, care for people, country-civilization: Putin’s inaugural speech

The atmosphere in society has changed, now "reliability, mutual responsibility, sincerity, decency, nobility and courage" are highly valued, the Russian leader stressed

Russian embassy slams ‘unacceptable’ Berlin’s decision to ban Russian flag on May 8-9

"We consider the bans discriminatory and contrary to the spirit of post-war historical reconciliation of the peoples of Russia and Germany," the Russian diplomats pointed out

Russian diplomat accuses EU spokesman of 'inciting terrorism' with Crimean Bridge remarks

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Medvedev gives warning amid talk of deploying Western troops to Ukraine

According to the politician, the cause of the discussion on dispatching Western troops to Ukraine, launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, is a "shameless calculation for political bonus points"

Macron’s aggressive rhetoric baffles even his allies — diplomat

"Very often France’s allies from the UK and Germany, as we understand, try to get clarifications as to what the French leadership means, without getting a direct answer," Maria Zakharova pointed out

Russian diplomat slams Western ambassador for being absent from Putin’s inauguration

Maria Zakharova also asked a rhetorical question about what these countries’ new ambassadors would do when they have to hand over their credentials to the president

BRICS has potential to create new, more fair world order — South African leader

Cyril Ramaposa notes that BRICS unites about 40% of the world's population

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian missile solid propellant workshop over past day

Russian troops gained better positions in the south Donetsk area over the past day, the ministry reported

Aerospace Forces receive new Su-35S fighters

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Russia didn’t invite officials from unfriendly countries to victory parade, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova said veteran organizations in unfriendly countries weren’t affected by the decision not to invite officials

Belarusian president sees aggravating military situation at western, southern borders

"Remarks of war and nuclear strikes can already be heard from certain figures," the Alexander Lukashenko said

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Ethnic Poles and Georgians account for the largest groups of mercenaries in the Ukrainian army

European Commission confirms agreement on expropriation of income from Russian assets

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Russian canoeist Pavlov bared from 2024 Olympics for clicking Like under Putin’s video

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Russia hammers Ukrainian energy, military sites in retaliatory strike — top brass

The Ukrainian army’s losses in the Kupyansk direction over the past 24 hours amounted to 55 personnel and two 122mm D-30 howitzers, it specified

Ukraine loses several hundred servicemen near DPR’s Novopokrovskoye due to lack of defense

It is noted that any Ukrainian activity on this section of the front is immediately suppressed by Russia’s precise and coordinated actions

NATO wants Ukraine to fight until victory, it is unrealistic — Hungarian foreign minister

Peter Szijjarto pointed out that NATO is crossing its own red lines by stating that "the war in Ukraine is our war"

Russian troops seize Ukrainian T-64 tank near Ugledar in DPR

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Kim Jong Un congratulates Putin on Victory Day

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Euroclear fighting over 100 lawsuits in Russian courts against investors demanding refund

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UK announces expulsion of Russian defense attache, new diplomatic visa restrictions

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EAEU leaders gather in Kremlin for anniversary summit

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Putin’s inauguration speech evokes key principle of Peace of Westphalia — analyst

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Belgium explains absence of ambassador at Russian president’s inauguration ceremony

The European Parliament adopted a resolution at a plenary session in Strasbourg on April 25 alleging that the recent presidential election in Russia was undemocratic

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Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

The government is tasked to present eleven new National Projects by September 1 of this year

Indonesian ambassador says Su-35 fighter jets contract remains in force

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares said that around 30% of weapons in service with his country’s armed forces are Russian-made

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Moscow condemns Berlin’s ban on symbols connected to Russia, Soviet Union

Maria Zakharova called Germany’s decision to ban the symbols of the Victory "a most shameful page" in the republic’s history

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Festive processions, gatherings, assemblies and reception ceremonies are held across Russia on May 9 to honor veterans of the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War

Kiev troops presumably used ATACMS missiles to strike Lugansk — politician

"Missiles hit an oil storage facility within city limits," Vladimir Rogov said

Parades, concerts across Russia to mark Victory Day on May 9

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Israeli forces eliminate commander of Hamas' naval unit in Gaza City

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The Russian leader noted that the combined GDP of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, according to available estimates, increased from $1.6 trillion to $2.5 trillion

West should engage in dialogue with Russia — US expert

In Peter Kuznick opinion, the world is on the verge of a most serious conflict while "NATO is conducting massive war games"

Cuba thanks EAEU countries for support amid US blockade — president

We are a small country, which has been under the [US] economic, trade and financial blockade for more than 60 years, Miguel Diaz-Canel said

US plans to return to previous schedule of weapons deliveries to Ukraine

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller had no specific announcements to make

Belarusian forces to rehearse tactical nuclear strikes as part of snap readiness test

An Iskander missile system battalion and a squadron of Su-25 airplanes are being brought to readiness to perform planned missions

London blatantly lies to justify anti-Russian steps, including expulsion of attache — MFA

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Putin begins his first international meeting after inauguration - EAEU summit

The summit is attended by the leaders of the Eurasian ‘Five’ - presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Prime Minister of Armenia

Cuba intends to expand participation EAEU mechanisms — President

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Zelenodolsk shipyard to float missile, patrol ships on May 7

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Russian tech firm ramps up production of glide bombs — CEO

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Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

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Armenia’s CSTO membership not discussed at EAEU summit — acting Russian deputy PM

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MAKS air show may be canceled in 2024 — source

There are no dates for the event on its official website

Armenia to refrain from financing CSTO activity in 2024

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Russian government resigns

The cabinet will continue to carry out its duties until a new government is appointed