Serbian president declines Putin's invite to BRICS summit amid key meetings

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucić, rejected on Thursday the invitation of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to the BRICS summit, which will take place in October in Kazan. The Serbian leader noted that he expects "important guests from abroad" at the same time.

President Vucić admitted that ten days ago, he received an invitation from the Russian president to the BRICS summit, which will take place from 22 to 24 October in Kazan.

The President of Serbia explained, "I am grateful to BRICS and President Putin for the invitation. Additionally, I will be in New York, where I am set to meet with at least six presidents and seven or eight prime ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session. We have important guests [coming] from abroad at that time."

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Serbia has accepted thousands of refugees from the attacked country, condemned Russian aggression several times, and sent humanitarian aid to Kyiv. President Vucić also met with President Zelensky during this time, and, as he himself admitted, has not even spoken with President Putin since February 2022.

At the same time, the Belgrade government maintains contact with Russia and refuses to join the sanctions imposed on that country. During a conversation with Putin on Wednesday, Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vulin, emphasised that "Serbia is a Russian ally and will never impose sanctions against Moscow or join NATO."