"We should consider using the Mir payment system
Serbia sees no obstacles to resuming joint military exercises with the Russian Federation after the end of the conflict in Ukraine, while the country continues to use Russian military equipment. This was stated by the Prime Minister of the Republic, Juro Matsut, in an interview with Izvestia. According to him, Belgrade will consider using the Russian Mir payment system on its territory. It is also possible to launch new flights to Russia, depending on the needs of the market, the Serbian Prime Minister stressed. He is ready to visit Moscow and discuss joint projects in the fields of economics, energy, tourism, security and foreign policy. Serbia, he stressed, will not supply weapons not only to Ukraine, but also to any other country from where they can be transferred to Kiev. In an exclusive interview with Izvestia, Juro Matsuta talks about how Belgrade intends to strengthen relations with Moscow.
"Russia continues to play a key role in Serbia's energy supply"
— Unrest has been going on in Serbia since the end of last year, and on June 28 it turned into riots. Is there any recorded interference by Western intelligence agencies? Is there a risk of destabilization of the situation?
— No, there is no such risk. I would like to take this opportunity to praise the Serbian security services and the police for their excellent response. After the rally, a group of hooligans tried to attack the police and vandalize property, but the response of our security services was swift and impressive. All this is part of the color revolution that Western intelligence agencies launched in November last year. But our special services and police are strong enough to prevent such a scenario.
— Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic visited Russia to participate in the celebration on May 9th. Are you planning to come to Russia? In what areas do you expect to develop cooperation with the Russian authorities?
— I am ready to visit Moscow if I receive an official invitation. Russia has been and remains one of Serbia's most important foreign policy partners, and cooperation based on mutual interests is important to us, as well as mutual support and specific projects in the fields of economics, energy, tourism, security and, of course, foreign policy.
— In May, Moscow and Belgrade extended the contract for the supply of Russian gas to Serbia on current terms until September 30. Are negotiations underway to conclude a long-term gas contract? When and under what conditions can it be concluded?
— The Russian Federation remains our most important and strategic partner, especially with regard to cooperation in the field of energy. Russia continues to play a key role in Serbia's energy supply, and it is very important for us to have reliable and uninterrupted supplies of oil and petroleum products.
— In the first quarter of 2025, 52 thousand Russians visited Serbia. Are there any plans to launch new flights to Russia? Are Russia and Serbia discussing the use of the Mir payment system?
— Despite enormous political pressure, Air Serbia continued flights to Russia even after 2022. At the moment, we fly not only to Moscow, but also to several cities in Russia, for example, to St. Petersburg. We will continue our flights to Russia, and Air Serbia will decide on possible new destinations and flights to Russia, depending on market needs. We should consider using the Mir payment system, but the final decision remains with our financial institutions.
"Serbia uses weapons and equipment produced by other countries, including Russia"
— Until 2022, Moscow and Belgrade conducted joint military exercises. Is Serbia ready to resume them after the end of the conflict in Ukraine?
— The decision to continue joint military exercises remains with the National Security Council, but I personally see no obstacles to this after the end of the conflict in Ukraine.
— Recently, the Serbian authorities announced the return of universal military service. Can Russia help Serbia modernize its armed forces?
— Yes, it is planned to return universal military service. This is especially important now, when the security situation around the world is very tense. Serbia has a very good defense industry of its own, which supplies our army, but our army, in addition to its own equipment, also uses weapons and equipment produced by other countries, including Russia, such as MiG-29 fighters.
— In May, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service published information that Serbian-made weapons were entering Ukraine through third countries. How does Belgrade plan to ensure that Serbian-made weapons are not supplied to Ukraine?
— As you know, at the suggestion of President Vucic, it was decided that in the future any export of weapons and military equipment manufactured in Serbian factories would be possible only with the approval of the National Security Council. I must emphasize that as long as I am a member of this important body, I will never vote for the sale of weapons to Ukraine or any other country from where they could be transferred to Ukraine. Serbs and Russians are fraternal peoples that no one can separate. As Prime Minister, I will only strengthen these relations.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic
— How does Serbia feel about the US strikes on Iran? Do you see a repeat of the bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999?
— We are glad that the situation has stabilized. The Middle East is one of the most important regions related to history, culture, economy, oil and security. Any escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran could spiral completely out of control. That is why restraint, dialogue, and the pursuit of a diplomatic solution are important and the only ways to achieve peace.
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