Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, while speaking to the press about recent developments in the Russo-Ukrainian war, painted an exceedingly grim picture for the future, forecasting, among other things, that major escalations in the armed conflict will take place in the months ahead.
During an interview with the Serbian broadcaster PRVA TV on Friday, February 10th, the Serbian premier, quoted by the Russian state news agency TASS, caused those listening to sit up in their seats when he suggested that in the not-so-distant future, the conflict in Ukraine will intensify, broaden in scope, and eventually become uncontrollable.
Vučić prognosticated that an escalation in the Russo-Ukrainian war will take place in the next five to six months, and as a result of geopolitical events, Serbia—due to the unique position it occupies between Russia and the collective West—will more than likely find itself between a “hammer and an anvil.”
“We are facing the biggest crisis the world has seen since World War II,” the Serbian president began. “What we have seen before is almost nothing compared to what is ahead of us. I know there’s a big escalation ahead of us, and I hope some people will realize we don’t need it. The next five or six months will be the worst of the conflict.”
The president also stated his belief that following the collective West’s decision to supply tanks to Ukraine, it is only a matter of time before the decision is made to supply Ukraine with F-16 jets.
He also argued that it is no longer clear who is winning in Ukraine, and noted that the first reports which have raised the question of what will happen if Putin wins have begun to surface.
Given the awkward geopolitical position Serbia finds itself in, it “will be difficult for us, whoever wins,” Vučić assessed.
“What should we do? We must realize that we have investments from the West, and that we are on the European path. It is stupid when some say that we should [break ties with the West]. They would cry for higher salaries,” Vučić continued, adding that those who insist that Serbia cut all ties with Russia are equally as foolish.
Finally, the president, when asked what will happen if Serbia has to choose between the West and Russia, replied that he will know when that time arrives.
“I’ll know when it’s time and I won’t hide it from people,” he stated.
