Serbian president Vučić rejects Putin's invitation to BRICS summit

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić rejected on Thursday Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation 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 Vučić admitted that ten days ago, he received an invitation from the Russian president to the BRICS summit, which will take place from October 22 to 24 in Kazan.

- 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 - explained the President of Serbia.

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

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