class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>
Serbia is considered the great ally of Russia and President Vladimir Putin (71) in Europe. But about 200,000 Russians have also fled to Serbia since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. This makes the Balkan country one of the most important places of exile where opponents of the Moscow regime seek refuge.
Unlike the rest of Europe and the world, Russians do not need a visa to enter Serbia. The two Orthodox Christian countries have historic relations and the Russians are largely welcomed.
Since the outbreak of war, the Russians have opened cafes and shops in Belgrade and also invested heavily in the real estate market. Concert and lecture halls in Belgrade have become lively meeting places for Russians.
War opponents versus nationalists
But Belgrade in particular has apparently become the scene of disputes between supporters and opponents of Russia’s Putin. Kremlin opponents are being exposed to threats and violence from nationalists, the Guardian reports. Russian anti-war activists say they no longer feel safe in Serbia and have left Belgrade for Berlin.
Since the outbreak of war, Belgrade has walked a delicate balancing act between its EU aspirations and its centuries-old ethnic and religious ties with Russia. President Aleksandar Vucic (53) refuses to impose sanctions on Russia. In return, Moscow continues to act as Serbia’s main ally in the fight against the independence of the former province of Kosovo.
Black list
Nationalist Serbian politicians are now apparently speaking out against the influx of Russian war opponents. In their opinion, they are trying to destabilize the country. Examples are given of how Serbian authorities also refuse entry to Russian activists with a residence permit.
Vladimir Volokonski (44), an opposition parliamentarian who fled from St. Petersburg, had his residence permit revoked halfway through the year. He is said to pose a threat to Serbia’s national security. Serbia now apparently maintains a blacklist of opponents of the Russian government who are threatened with arrest at home.
Now a graffiti war is raging on the streets of Belgrade. Pro-war slogans from Putin loyalists are painted over by Putin opponents – and these are immediately painted over again by Putin loyalists.
“It is important that the world knows that many Russians are against the war.”
Those who fled Russia cannot be brought down quickly. A concert in Belgrade by the Russian-Belarusian rock band BI-2, which fled to Serbia after criticizing the war, recently thrilled 5,000 fans.
When the concert ended, groups gathered outside. “It’s a good feeling to go to these kinds of concerts and talk to people who think the same way,” says a young man named Anton, who left Moscow shortly after the start of the war. “It is important that the world knows that many Russians are against the war.” (kes)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
