US calls for Serbia to impose sanctions against its ally Russia

brutal conflict between Russia and Ukraine has w entered 99th day with Kremlin forces continuously attacking Ukrainian cities. situation has taken a new direction as United States of America President Joe Biden has pledged that "more vanced rocket systems and munitions" will be provided to war-torn nation. On Wednesday, United States envoy urged Serbia to join European Union's sanctions against Russia for declaring war on Ukraine. 

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Balkans Gabriel Escobar, via a video speech during Souastern Europe Democracy Summit in Montenegro, asked Serbia to condemn actions of Moscow and impose sanctions. 

Russia-Ukraine War | US calls for Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia

During his speech, Escobar stated that every country in Western Balkans has agreed to oppose Russia's action, and he hopes that Serbia will also join list and impose sanctions on Moscow.

"Almost every country in Western Balkans has agreed that Russia will pay a price for this through sanctions, supporting Ukraine and its people. I hope that Serbia will join this group and harmonise sanctions when government is formed," Escobar said, reported Euractiv.

From beginning of Russia-Ukraine war, Serbia has remained clear with its stance of t joining western "hysteria" against Russia. On several occasions, top leers of country have openly expressed that Belgre has plans to impose any sanctions on Moscow. Recently, Serbia's re-elected President Aleksandar Vucic claimed that his ministration is facing mounting pressures from all sides to join EU's sanction list. However, Serbian President stated that pressures from or nations would t change course and Serbia would continue to remain neutral over ongoing conflict. 

It is pertinent to mention here, that t only did Serbian President refuse to take action against Moscow, but it has also strengned Serbia's business ties with Russia. Recently, both nations have agreed to a comprehensive gas deal, that too at a time when EU has voted to cut ties with Russian oil. After Belarus, Serbia remains only country in Europe that has t condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.