Vučić for Russian media: "I told Putin my destiny is tied to Serbia"

Speaking about the protests, blockades and pressures facing Serbia, Vučić claimed that foreign power centres, large financial funds and regional actors were behind attempts to destabilise the country.

“Serbia is under enormous pressure because some do not want to see a sovereign and independent country in the heart of Europe. Hundreds of millions and billions of euros have been invested in non-governmental organisations and certain media outlets. All of this is coordinated from abroad, with support from the region, with one single goal: to overthrow the government in Serbia and halt our development. However, they did not count on encountering someone who would fight every day and refuse to back down,” Vučić said.

He also referred to what he described as the exploitation of the tragedy in Novi Sad.

“For months, they tried to disrupt normal life. Initially, we responded with the utmost restraint and provided all the documentation concerning the collapse of the canopy, but they were never genuinely interested in it. They showed no empathy for the families of the victims, nor were they interested in finding out what had actually happened.”

According to Vučić, the sole objective was to seize power through street protests without holding elections.

Serbia is an economic leader, with public debt half the Eurozone average

Vučić argued that attacks against Serbia intensify in proportion to the country's economic success.

“Our economy has one of the fastest growth rates in Europe, according to all IMF forecasts. When I became prime minister in 2014, the average salary in Montenegro was 50 per cent higher than in Serbia. Today, the average net salary in Serbia has exceeded €1,050, surpassing those in all neighbouring countries. Our public debt stands at around 43 per cent of GDP, half the eurozone average of 86 per cent. Who benefits from a strong and stable Serbia like this? Of course, we are an obstacle to those who would like to see us brought to our knees,” he said.

Relations with Putin and Trump, and Serbia's position on Kosovo and Metohija

During the interview, Vučić also discussed geopolitical relations, his personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his communications with Donald Trump.

“I have always taken a rational and responsible approach. I have held more than 20 meetings with Putin, and we have always built a relationship based on mutual respect. When I go to Europe, 27 leaders ask me why we are the only ones who have not imposed sanctions on Russia. I tell them the truth to their faces and defend Serbia's interests. We are not sitting on two chairs; our only chair is Serbia,” Vučić said.

He added that Serbia would never disregard UN Security Council Resolution 1244 or its Constitution regarding Kosovo and Metohija.

Commenting on global tensions and the war in Ukraine, Vučić said he had warned of a potential escalation as early as 2021. He added that Europe was now undergoing a dramatic military build-up, while diplomacy and dialogue aimed at achieving peace remained the only genuine path forward.

Asked what would happen if the opposition came to power, Vučić gave a direct response.

“If they won, they would impose sanctions on Russia within just ten days and abandon their own interests. But I believe in our people. I also told President Putin that I would never flee my country. My destiny is tied to Serbia, and I will fight here until my last breath. Our resistance to external pressure is much stronger than many people think,” Vučić concluded.