The European Union (EU) has again called on Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, while the United States has asked it not to offer it a platform to promote aggressive war, after Belgrade welcomed the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Aleksandr Grushko, on a visit on Tuesday.

Grushko was received on July 2 by the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, while during his stay in the Serbian capital, he held meetings with other high officials of Serbia.

“The European Union has been very clear with our partners: relations with Russia cannot be normal with Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine,” an EU spokesperson told Radio Free Europe (REL).

He said that the EU Council recognizes the humanitarian aid and other support that Serbia has given to Ukraine, but that it expects it – as a candidate country for EU membership – to align itself with the foreign policy of the European bloc.

Meanwhile, the US State Department (DASH) said in a response to REL that the United States “does not believe that any country should give Russia a platform to promote its war of aggression against Ukraine.”

“The countries of the Western Balkans, as well as all of Europe, have a great interest in the outcome of the Russian war against Ukraine, which threatens the foundations of international order and security. Therefore, it is extremely important that we continue to stand united in the face of Russia’s aggression”, said DASH.

The US also praised the support that Serbia has provided to Ukraine so far.

During the meeting in Belgrade, Vucic thanked Grushko for his support regarding the Resolution on Srebrenica, which was voted in the United Nations General Assembly in May.