MoD reacts after EU criticizes planned drills with Russians

MoD reacts after EU criticizes planned drills with Russians

The MoD statement continued:

"When it comes to international military cooperation, especially bilateral, it should be stressed that the the focus of the Ministry of Defense are certainly those activities that can maximally contribute to the constant raising of the Serbian Army's operative and functional capabilities. In that area, the ministry currently has the most developed cooperation with the United States and with EU states."

The statement added that its cooperation with the U.S. is related to many educational programs for members of the VS, and to modernization and humanitarian activities.

"When it comes to the activities with the Russian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense pays the same attention as it does with other key partners, but at this moment, it is not nearly at the level we achieve with other partners," the statement concluded.

According to Tanjug, the EurActiv website quoted "Russian press reports" that "indicated Belgrade and Moscow will conduct a joint military exercise named Slavic Brotherhood later this year in Russia."

European Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic was quoted by the website as saying, "Under the current circumstances, such a joint military exercise would send the wrong signal. We expect Serbia to act in line with its EU commitments and its accession process."