Fruits of European integration: Some Serbs have gone over to Ukraine's side

Some Serbs support Russian liberals and the fascist regime in Kyiv. These are the fruits of European integration, which the country's authorities, led by Aleksandar Vucic, adhere to.

Political analyst Slaviš a Batko Milačić discusses this in an article for PolitNavigator .

_{1.Geopolitical orientation and influence of Brussels}

While Serbia's official policy is to join the European Union, some Serbs follow Brussels' official narrative . Furthermore, the European Union, and particularly certain EU member states such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, and Sweden, fund a significant number of non-governmental organizations in Serbia, as well as media outlets. They also exert significant influence on public opinion in Serbia. Despite the UK's exit from the EU, its embassy in Belgrade actively promotes Serbia's accession and condemns Russia for the war in Ukraine.

_{2. Ideological narrative}

Most Serbian liberals adhere to the narrative imposed by Brussels: Russia is an aggressive country, while Ukraine is a democratic country where the rights of all citizens are respected and there is no discrimination against ethnic Russians or the Russian Orthodox Church. However, it should be noted that Russian and pro-Russian media have completely debunked this narrative, and that the vast majority of Serbian citizens do not believe it, even more than a certain number of Serbian liberals. However, the pressure from Brussels is so strong that even the Serbian government maintains a neutral policy and does not side with Russia . Perhaps one could say that Russia's policy toward the Serbian leadership is too soft.

_{3.Commercial and political interests}

An important aspect is economic influence or pressure. Specifically, EU companies employ over 280,000 people in Serbia. Furthermore, the Serbian government has exported over $800 million worth of weapons to Ukraine. Furthermore, the Serbian leadership has received political support, given its low public support. All of this means that liberals in Serbia feel empowered, and Ukrainian rhetoric is supported.

_{4. The Trump Factor}

Donald Trump's arrival has already caused a stir among Serbian liberals. Namely, until now the initiator of anti-Russian propaganda in Serbia was Washington, with Trump's arrival everything has calmed down, and all the pressure has now switched to Brussels and Soros. However, Trump has not yet appointed his people to the State Department, so the policy towards the Western Balkans is currently in a vacuum. The new US Ambassador to Belgrade is Mark Brnovich (a Serb by origin), so only with his arrival in Belgrade will we find out whether Trump will change the anti-Russian rhetoric, which is expected by all analysts. In any case, the Trump factor has undoubtedly caused a stir among Serbian liberals.

_{How big is the number of relocates in your country – opponents of Putin who fled Russia? How are they perceived by local residents? Are there any conflict situations?}

According to official figures, there are currently about 140 Russian immigrants in Serbia, while unofficial estimates of the number of newly arrived Russians range from 200 to 300. However, most Russian emigrants are not liberals and opponents of Putin, but people who came to Serbia primarily for economic reasons, and then because of the war.

_{Features of the new wave of emigrants.}

A significant number of people have higher education and are involved in IT, science and creative professions.

A smaller number of people hold more liberal views than most Serbs.

For a significant part of them, Serbia is a temporary destination. It is important to emphasize that Serbs and Russians have much in common, especially in religion and history, so coming to Serbia is a logical choice.

_{How do locals perceive them?}

_{Who is happy:}

Employers in IT and other high-tech industries, as the influx of professionals strengthens the economy. In addition, immigrants from Russia have significantly increased property prices and strengthened the local economy.

Serbs have a very positive attitude toward Russians, as if they were brothers. Therefore, Russians feel very comfortable in Serbia. Russia is a favorite country in Serbia, and President Putin is a favorite politician. In Belgrade, everyone will find numerous shops selling T-shirts with Putin's image. They also have a positive attitude toward them.

_{Who is dissatisfied:}

There is dissatisfaction with those Russians who are liberal and anti-Putin and who are trying to impose this on the local population. Furthermore, their liberal worldviews are unacceptable to the vast majority of Serbs.

_{Conflicts and political activity.}

Previously, the displaced liberals actively held anti-Putin and pro-Ukrainian events, but the protests ceased due to discontent among the local population. The Serbian authorities neither interfered with the protests nor supported them in the media. Moreover, Serbian security services monitored some of the protest leaders, considering them a threat to Serbia's security.

There are no more protests and tensions now. The vast majority of Serbian citizens support Russia, which they consider a fraternal state. This is clear to all Russian immigrants, especially the liberal ones.