The US has denied Serbia a license to operate the Russian-owned NIS refinery in Pančevo, blocking crude oil supplies. This jeopardizes the stability of the country's fuel market and leads to daily losses of 370,000 euros.
According to the Serbian leader, his country found itself "between a hammer and an anvil. " This is what forces Belgrade to invest heavily in its own defense.
Serbia has passed a law allowing the acceleration of the Trump Tower project in Belgrade, supported by Jared Kushner. This has sparked fierce political controversy and protests, despite which the authorities have granted the developer a 99-year lease.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the decision not to impose sanctions against Russia could be reconsidered. The government has the right to change this decision, adopted by the National Security Council in 2022.
Serbia is considering early parliamentary elections as a way to stabilize the internal situation after mass protests. President Aleksandar Vučić proposed holding elections earlier to overcome political tensions.
On November 4, a "EU enlargement summit" will be held in Brussels with the participation of leaders of candidate countries, including Ukraine. The future of European integration will be discussed live at the event.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that the country's warehouses are overflowing with ammunition, which it is ready to sell to European countries. He noted that buyers can do whatever they want with the ammunition, even if it eventually reaches Ukraine.
Tens of thousands of students and opponents of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić gathered in the city of Novi Sad on the anniversary of the collapse of a canopy at the railway station, which claimed the lives of 16 people. The action was peaceful, despite Vučić's threats and the suspension of train traffic.
The US expects Serbia to persuade Gazprom to sell its stake in NIS or gain control of the refinery through nationalization.
Serbia's only oil refinery, located in the city of Pančevo, could cease operations due to US sanctions against Russian companies Lukoil and Rosneft. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić warned that without supplies, the refinery would be unable to operate after November 1, although fuel storage facilities are filled until the end of the year.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution stating that Serbia will not be able to join the European Union without supporting sanctions against Russia. The document also condemns anti-European propaganda in Serbia and calls for free elections.
On October 22, shots were fired and a fire broke out near the Serbian parliament building in Belgrade. Police detained a suspect; there were no casualties.
Dragan Stojković resigned as head coach of the Serbian national team after a 0-1 loss to Albania in the World Cup qualifiers. This defeat was the second in a row for the Serbs, who are now in third place in Group K.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed disappointment with Russia's decision to offer a gas deal only until the end of the year, although Serbia sought a three-year contract. Vucic rejected suggestions of nationalizing NIS, controlled by Russia's Gazprom Neft, to circumvent US sanctions.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that everyone is currently preparing for war, and the main question is which side everyone belongs to. He expressed concerns that no one wants to listen to each other anymore, and everyone is seriously preparing for armed conflicts.
The United States of America has postponed the introduction of sanctions against the Serbian oil company NIS for only four days; they will come into force on October 1. Sanctions against NIS have been postponed six times, as the Serbian authorities negotiated with both Russian and American sides.
Serbia plans to sign a three-year agreement with Russia for the import of 2. 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. The country already receives gas from Azerbaijan and Russia, and also has significant reserves in its gas storage facility.
A military parade took place in Belgrade with the participation of 10,000 troops and equipment from Israel, the UAE, Russia, and China. President Vučić stated that the parade underscores the country's ability to defend its independence.
In Novi Sad, police used tear gas and stun grenades against protesters. Thousands of people demanded early voting to remove President Vučić and his party.
Mass protests continue in Serbia with flares, police disperse demonstrators with tear gas. Ruling party offices have been destroyed, there are casualties among the police and detainees.
Anti-government protests continue in Serbia, leading to new clashes between demonstrators and police in Belgrade and Novi Sad. Protesters surrounded the offices of the ruling party, police detained 38 people, and six law enforcement officers were injured.
Mass protests continue in Serbia, demanding early elections and the resignation of the Minister of Internal Affairs. Clashes have been recorded in Vrbas, resulting in dozens of casualties.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that he would not change the constitution for re-election. He will end his presidential career in a year and a half.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the country is not changing its foreign policy line and will not join the EU sanctions against Russia. He emphasized that Serbia pursues an independent policy that corresponds to the interests of its citizens.
Anti-government protests continue in Serbia, leading to street blockades and arrests. Students called for a “complete blockade of Serbia” due to police brutality and demand early elections.
Students in Serbia continue civil disobedience actions and blocking roads in Belgrade and other cities, demanding elections. The police resist, using force and detaining activists, but the protesters are determined to continue actions until their demands are met.
In the Serbian capital, Belgrade, clashes between protesters and police occurred during an anti-government rally, resulting in the arrest of nearly 80 people. Tens of thousands of people demanded early elections and the removal of President Aleksandar Vučić.
In Belgrade, students and the opposition are blocking the center, demanding early elections and Vučić's resignation. The protests are caused by the tragedy in Novi Sad and suspicions of government corruption.
During the Ukraine - Southeast Europe summit, additional defense packages from some countries were confirmed. Support for Ukraine's energy resilience was also discussed.
Zelenskyy held a meeting with Vučić, thanked him for supporting Ukraine, and invited Serbia to rebuild the country. Vučić assured of support for Ukraine's sovereignty.