Serbia: Russian Opposition Activist Ilya Yashin Criticizes Russia

Russian opposition activist Ilya Yashin, in a speech in Belgrade, called on Europe to see Ukraine as a European country and the Ukrainian army as a European army.

Yashin stressed that the Ukrainian army is protecting Europe from Russian aggression. This was the first public appearance of a well-known Russian dissident in Serbia since 2022.

Since 2022, over 74,000 Russians have temporarily settled in Serbia, many to avoid conscription or persecution.

Relations between Belgrade and Moscow have deteriorated, especially after allegations of ammunition sales to Ukraine. Serbia is trying to balance its relations with Russia and the EU, condemning the invasion but refusing sanctions.

In May, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. At the same time, Belgrade supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and in June, Vučić visited Ukraine.

Russia remains Serbia's largest natural gas supplier.