Pancevo refinery; Photo : Emilija Jovanovic

Financial consultant Vladimir Vasic assessed today that the 10-day deadline extension that the US administration (OFAC) has given for negotiations on the sale of the Russian share in Petroleum Industry of Serbia, NIS, is not enough to complete those negotiations (between Serbia and Hungary's MOL) - because they are "stuck" on whether the Pancevo refinery will continue to process oil, and to what extent.

Vasic expects that the deadline for negotiations will be extended again if everything is not completed by June 16, because he believes that it is in everyone's interest to complete this transaction.

"I don't even think the price is as important right now, it's important whether oil will be processed (in Serbia) or not. We have some indications that anyone who is buying strategically is looking to use their existing capacities, and we know that MOL already has several refineries, in Croatia, Slovakia, and in Hungary. It's in our interest that over 4 million tons of oil get processed in the Pancevo refinery because then you have strategic raw materialw and influence the flow of oil and oil derivatives," this expert told Tanjug.

Commenting on the US OFAC extending the deadline for negotiations regarding NIS until June 16, when the license that allows NIS to operate under US sanctions also expires, Vasic said that this deadline of 10 days indicates that there are problems in the negotiations that have not yet been resolved, and that this deadline is a type of pressure.

According to him, the OFAC wants to speed up the negotiations by setting a deadline of 10 days to finalize everything.

Asked whether Serbia has enough negotiating power to impose its conditions on the future majority owner of NIS, Vasic said that Serbia must protect its interests, which is why he insists on increasing the state's share in the company in order to gain greater control, as well as on the operations of the Pancevo refinery, at its full capacity.

"We have a refinery with a 4.8 million tons of oil processing capacity. Serbia needs about 4 million, so there is room for some export of derivatives and that can be a strategic opportunity," he added.

Asked whether a new round of negotiations would follow if the talks with MOL fail, or if space would open up for other buyers, Vasic stated that the best thing would be for Serbia to buy the Russian stake in NIS, and then for the state to expand that business regionally.

(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)

Photo collage: DMZ001/Shutterstock, PR Image Factory/Shutterstock

A terrible tragedy struck the village of Donja Livadica near Velika Plana, where a girl born in 2012 drowned in the Velika Morava (Great Morava) river.

Gendarmerie divers have located and retrieved the body from the river.

This accident shook the local community because this was a child who lived through severe family trauma - the girl recently lost her father, and lived with her mother in very difficult material conditions.

According to initial information, the victim and a friend  were walking by the river, and then decided to take a swim.

One at some point got out of the Velika Morava, while the other remained in the water and disappeared below the surface.

Other, still unconfirmed accounts from eyewitnesses say that the girls never intended to go into the water, but that the victim at one point slipped and fell in, at a location where sand and gravel extraction machines have created huge, deep underwater pits.

Competent services were immediately alerted and arrived at the scene, and Gendarmerie divers joined the search, which unfortunately ended with the officers recovering the 14-year-old's body.

The investigation is ongoing and ill establish all the circumstances of this great tragedy.

(Telegraf.rs)

Foto: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagić/bs

President of the National Assembly Ana Brnabic today congratulated the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija and the Serb List on the convincing victory in their areas, and stressed that this victory showed the unshakable unity and strength of the Serb people despite the attacks against the Serb List coming from Pristina, as well as from some individuals and political groups in central Serbia.

In a post on X, Brnabic wrote that the results are convincing and say it all - when it comes to Nenad Rasic, the Serb List "won 10-0" in Serb communities and received more votes than in the previous elections in Kosovo and Metohija.

"The rest is (Albin) Kurti's desperate bid to help Rasic, in that way helping himself, by faking votes for Rasic (supposedly) cast in municipalities and cities where there have been no Serbs for 35 years, because the Serbs there were victims of inhumane persecution and ethnic cleansing. There's no need to expand on Kurti's electoral engineering. It is clear and reprehensible. Our people in Kosovo and Metohija have spoken about who their representatives are. And that is the only relevant topic. I congratulate them on their courage, perseverance and unity. Long live Serbia!," wrote Brnabic.

The provisional Pristina institutions on June 7 organized snap elections for the Pristina Assembly, and according to preliminary results, the strongest Serb party in Kosovo and Metohija - the Serb List (Srpska Lista, SL) won 6.17 percent, i.e. 42,761 votes, which translates to an absolute majority in the Serb communities.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Foto: Shutterstock/Petro Perutskyi

The start of this week is bringing sunny, summer-like weather to Serbia, with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, on Tuesday up to 33°C., and on Wednesday even up to 34°C.

Local showers with thunder are expected in the afternoon today, mainly on the mountains in the south and southwest of Serbia.

From Thursday, the weather is forecast to be noticeably cooler, with temperatures dropping by about 10 degrees.

Photo: w2u

Rain and thunderstorms are expected, with heavier precipitation on Friday.

Thunderstorms with hail are also forecast in some places, along with gale-force winds, strong thunder and heavy downpours.

Warmer weather will start returning to Serbia towards the end of the week.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Marko Jovanovic

Deputy PM, Interior Minister, and SPS party leader Ivica Dacic has told RTS that he did has not discussed (presidential) elections with President Aleksandar Vucic, and reminded of his position that there should be no early elections.

Dacic also stated that Serbia does not interfere in who will be in power in Montenegro, but that he expects Serbian national and state interests to be respected.

"Those interests were not respected in the historical sense when Montenegro recognized Kosovo. It was directly aimed, not only against the history and the present and the future of Serbia, but after all also against their own history," Dacic said.

"I don't think we have anyone closer than each other and this atmosphere is proof that Milo Djukanovic was not the only problem. The problem is creating an anti-Serb atmosphere and hysteria, and that's not good," said Ivica Dacic.

He stressed that during one of his visits to Montenegro, he told Milo Djukanovic that Serbia is looking for reciprocity - for Serbs there to enjoy everything that Montenegrins enjoy in Serbia.

Speaking about the French-German proposal about a gradual integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union, Dacic assessed that this non-paper comes 20, 30 years late.

"Why do I say that? Because the former Yugoslavia was supposed to become an associated member of the European Union. So why didn't they do that? If they had done that, maybe we would have avoided all those wars," said Dacic.

"I am so fascinated by the interest in SPS"

Asked if Branko Ruzic (from the SPS) got in touch with him while he was sick, Dacic said that this happened and noted that there are differences of opinion within the Socialist Party of Serbia.

"The Socialist Party of Serbia is a long-game party. It has its own policy. No individual can be above the party, neither myself nor anyone else. There are bodies in the party that decide and there are no dilemmas. But I am so fascinated by the interest in the SPS," said Dacic.

Asked if he will run for president and if he expects Aleksandar Vucic to endorse him, Dacic replied that they did not discuss presidential elections and reminded that his position is that early voting should not be organized.

Speaking about a recent high-profile murder in Belgrade, Dacic said that Interior Ministry's internal control is doing its job and that more than 3,000 police officers have been looked at since the internal checks have been taking place. He said that there must be no corruption of the police, but that police forces all over the world keep facing that problem.

When asked "whether it is easier to sit in the interior minister's, or in the electric chair," Dacic replied that at times, it seemed to him he was "better off while in a coma" - simply because he was not learning any information at that time.

(Telegraf.rs/RTS)

Igor Simic; Photo: Telegraf

A member of the Presidency of the Serb List, Igor Simic, said that when it comes to the votes cast in Serb communities in Sunday's snap parliamentary elections in Kosovo and Metohija, the Serb List won 42,166 votes, i.e. more than in the previous elections for the assembly in Pristina.

In an interview with TV Pink, Simic said that the Serb List has received almost 13 times more votes in Serb communities than Nenad Rasic's Party for Freedom, Justice and Survival.

Simic pointed out that, however, there is again a type of vote rigging carried out by the Albanians and that votes are being added to Rasic in municipalities where there are almost no Serbs at all.

Simic explained stated that Rasic won 77 votes in Djakovica, 13 in Glogovac, wile in Prizren, where a total of between 15 and 20 Serbs live, Rasic got 430 votes.

The Serb List official repeated that one (out of 10 guaranteed seats in Pristina assembly) is once again being stolen from the Serb people to be given to Rasic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Telegrafrs

During his stay in Belgrade, we spoke with Shivaz Rai, international entrepreneur, investor and CEO of DU Digital, which operates in the field of digital services, identification systems, visa processes and technological solutions for governments and companies around the world.

Rai has more than two decades of experience in the financial sector, banking and international investments, and he received his education from some of the world's most prestigious institutions.

During the conversation, he talked about Serbia's potential to become a regional technology center, relations between Serbia and India, possibilities for the arrival of Indian tourists and students, but also about advice for young entrepreneurs in the Balkans.

According to Rai, Serbia today holds several key advantages that set it apart in Southeast Europe.

"During my visit to Belgrade I was very positively surprised by the Serbian energy, talent base, strategic location. Belgrade has an interesting combination, it has a strong engineering and technology culture, competitive operating costs, and good connectivity with Europe. I do believe Belgrade has the potential to merge as a regional hub for digital services, fintech and various technology-enabled services in South East Europe," Rai said.

According to him, any country that wishes to become a tech hub must meet three conditions: talent, infrastructure, and regulations.

"Serbia seems to be moving in the right direction for all the three. I alo find it attractive that it's not trying to copy others blindly. It has its own position in between Europe, Asia, Middle East. That gives it a very unique opportunity to become a bridge for digital services across borders, processing, a regional innovator," Rai said.

Speaking about Serbia and India, Rai stressed that the two countries have space for deepening cooperation, specifically when it comes to digital economy.

"I was very impressed that the Serbian president was part of the AI summit. And I think he had a very good meeting with - not just in the summit but across - has very good relations with Mr. Modi and that leads us to see a lot more future potential growth in the two countries together."

He spoke about digital transformation, saying that Serbia should not regard digitization only as an IT project.

"(Digital) identity, payments, verifications, consent-based data sharing should become a foundation over which private innovation can grow," Shivaz Rai said, among other things. Watch the whole interview in the video at the top of the page.

(Telegraf Biznis)

Photo: S. J.

Thousands of believers have been queuing for hours since midnight for the last chance to venerate the Cincture of the Theotokos (the Belt of the Holy Mother of God) in Belgrade.

This extraordinary relic was brought to the Serbian capital for the Orthodox Christian holiday and Belgrade patron saint day Spasovdan (Serbian popularcname for the holiday of Vaznesenje - Ascension, May 21 in the Julian calendar) and then remained in Serbia's greatest Orthodox Christian shrine for the faithful to venerate until today.

And today still, thousands of believers stand in a massive line in front of the Temple of St. Sava in Belgrade to worship the Cincture of the Theotokos, which will be in Belgrade until the relic's ceremonial return to the Vatoped Monastery on Mount Athos on Saturday morning, after holy liturgy has been served in the Serbian capital.

Waiting in the long line does not seem to bother the faithful, even tough it has been reported that some chose to queue for 15 hours to get a chance to venerate the relic in person. For example, the people who were currently justvabout to enter the shrine arounf noon on Friday told our reporters that they joined the group waiting to access the Temple around midnight the night before.

The column in Belgrade is long, with no end in sight, and the surrounding streets have been completely blocked off for public security purposes.

The people in the queues that we encountered in front of the Temple of St. Sava this morning give off a specific air of gentleness, and by talking to those waiting, we learned that they arrived from all parts of our country.

Among those gathered, there are also people who traveled an even greater distance for an opportunity that does not happen very often at all.

Due to the large number of people, one of the approaches to the Temple of St. Sava is closed to traffic.

Namely, the police closed the street in order to provide as much security as possible to the believers who today took their place in the line to get the opportunity to venerate.

SPC warned about these things and asked believers to RESPECT them

When the Cincture of the Theotokos, one of the greatest Christian relics, was brought to the faithful, organized by the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), the Church and the clergy made several important requests, appeals and guidelines to the faithful.

The aim of these requests was to avoid superstitious behavior, to maintain order, and to approach the relic with the right spiritual attitude.

The first is a plea for patience, peace and dignity, the second concerns the ribbons.

Although there are still no official figures, it is believed that hundreds of thousands of believers have venerated the Cincture of the Theotokos in Belgrade since May 20, and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije noted that more important than the mere number, is that our people have confirmed our centuries-old devotion to the spirit of St. Sava, the Holy Prince Lazar, and the Kosovo Covenant, which are tantamount to the New Testament being alive, in the lives of Orthodox Serb Christians.

The relic will remain un Belgrade until Saturday, June 6, when after the head of the SPC leads the holy liturgy, the Cincture of the Theotokos will be returned to the holy and great Vatoped Monastery on Mount Athos.

It was originally announced that the relic would be in Serbia until May 29, but the deadline was extended twice due to the great interest of the faithful people who waited for hours to venerate it at Serbia's most important Orthodox Temple.

The Cincture of the Theotokos (the Belt of the Holy Mother of God) was brought to Belgrade six centuries after the Serbian medieval ruler, the Holy Prince Lazar, presented it as a gift to the Vatoped monastery.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Jadranka Ilic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic has arrived in Tivat in Montenegro, where he will participate in the two-day EU Western Balkans summit.

During the summit, President Vucic will have a joint meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of France Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Vucic will also have bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fitz, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin and other participants in the Tivat summit.

President Vucic said earlier on Thursday, after a meeting with Antonio Costa, that he will go to Montenegro for the EU Western Balkans summit,despite BIA's warning that his life is in danger, and pointed out that it is important that he represents Serbia there.

Vucic said that Serbia has great expectations from the summit in Tivat, stating that he hopes there will be an announcement during that summit about a possible change in the methodology for joining the EU.

"I was satisfied during our talks (with Costa) and with everything that we have to do, but I would also say with a new dynamic around the negotiations and the methodology, so I believe that we will have better results in that regard," said Vucic.

He added that he promised Costa abd Ursula von der Leyen that he would attend to the summit, that he was not afraid to go to Montenegrom and that he would talk about it much more once he's there.

The summit of the leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans is being held in Tivat under the slogan "Shared prosperity and stability of the EU and the Western Balkans", the main topic of which will be EU enlargement.

The gathering will be chaired by President of the European Council Antonio Costa, who was previously on a tour of the region, while President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic will act as the host.

The EC website said that it is expected for the leaders of the countries of the Western Balkans and the EU to discuss EU enlargement and the Growth Plan, as well as that the EU will repeat its full and unequivocal commitment to the perspective of membership for the Western Balkans.

One of the topics will be how to face common challenges and strengthen security and resilience, in the context of an increasingly complex geopolitical background, as well as how to increase cooperation in matters of foreign, security and defense policy.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Shutterstock

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSP) of Serbia today offered its sincere condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Staff Sergeant Milovan Jovanovic, a member of the 2nd Land Brigade of the Serbian Army, who died this morning as a result of injuries caused by a missile hitting a UN base in Lebanon where peacekeeping forces, including a part of the Serbian contingent, are stationed.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia pays the greatest respect to the fallen UNIFIL member from Serbia, Staff Sergeant Milovan Jovanovic, for his dedication and service to our Serbian fatherland, and to international peace and security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers its sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends," said a statement.

The ministry also strongly condemn the attack on the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, which resulted in the death of the Serbian soldier, and the wounding of two more servicemen from El Salvador and Spain - the result of the shelling of the UN facility.

"We call for an urgent, thorough and transparent investigation into the said incident and for those responsible to be identified, as well as for respect for UN Security Council Resolution 1701, international law and international humanitarian law, and protection of the security of peacekeepers," the statement said.

Serbian Army Staff Sergeant Milovan Jovanovic, who was serving as a peacekeeper in Lebanon, died this morning as a result of injuries caused by a missile falling on the UN base where the peacekeeping forces, including a part of the Serbian contingent, were stationed, the Ministry of Defense of Serbia announced earlier in the day.

Staff Sergeant Jovanovic, born in 1989, a married father of two minor children, was transported by helicopter to the University Medical Center in Beirut, where he died of his wounds around 04:00 local Lebanese time.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Vucic and Costa in Belgrade on Thursday; Photo: Tanjug/Jadranka Ilic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic will today and tomorrow participate in the EU Western Balkans summit, which is being held in Tivat, Montenegro.

The presidential press service announced this on Thursday shortly after noon.

During the summit, President Vucic will have a joint meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of France Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Vucic will also have bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fitz, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin and other participants in the Tivat summit.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Jadranka Ilic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said today after a meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa that they had an open exchange of ideas and plans for the future, and pointed out that this is extremely important for our country, which is on the path of joining the EU.

"I am very grateful to President of the European Council Antonio Costa, for this visit, for the open exchange of ideas and plans for the future. We spoke for a long time both last night and this morning, and for us it is extremely important as a country that is on the European path and that shares not only political and value-based positions with Europe, but also, I would say, what is most important for our people, the economy that connects us," Vucic said during a joint press conference in the Palace of Serbia.

The president added that the total trade in goods and services between Serbia and the European Union amounts to 58 billion euros, which is by far the largest part of our exports and imports.

"And what is also important is that our exports are growing and we are, believe it or not - you know that I told you that we make up to 54 percent of the total exports from the Western Balkans - Serbia had, today Serbia is at the level of 57.1 percent, so if you take the entire Western Balkans, Serbia amounts to 57.1 percent of exports to the European Union. This also speaks about the progress of our economy, but that progress would not have happened without European investments," said Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Shutterstock

Staff Sergeant Milovan Jovanovic, a member of the Serbian Army who was deployed in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, died this morning as a result of the injuries caused by a missile that hut the UN base where the peacekeeping forces, including a part of the Serbian contingent, are stationed.

Staff Sergeant Jovanovic was provide with emergency medical treatment at the hospital inside the base, and was then transported by helicopter to the University Medical Center in Beirut, where he died around 04:00 local time.

Two more members of the international forces were injured in the attack - a member of the army of El Salvador, and a soldier from Spain.

Staff Sergeant Milovan Jovanovic was born on June 6, 1989 in Kraljevo, central Serbia. He is survived by his wife and two minor children.

Jovanovic served in the Serbian Army since December 10, 2011, and in the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon - since January of this year.

Minister of Defense Bratislav Gasic and Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army General Milan Mojsilovic offered their condolence to the family of the tragically killed peacekeeper from the ranks of the Serbian Army.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic

Serbia's domestic intelligence agency BIA announced on Wednesday that it has officially advised President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic not to travel to Tivat, Montenegro, due to a high security risk.

A statement published on the BIA website says that according to the agency's operational knowledge, the leader of the Montenegrin criminal Kavac Clan, Radoje Zvicer, is currently in Montenegro.

The statement added that a security assessment, which was requested several times from the security service of the host of the summit in Montenegro has not been submitted to BIA, contrary to all the rules of professional and responsible relationship.

"For reasons of the highest importance regarding the tasks entrusted to the Security and Information Agency (BIA), it is necessary to anannounce that due to the hostile actions of foreign services and criminal clans in Montenegro, BIA has officially advised the president of the Republic of Serbia not to travel to Montenegro because of a high security risk," the agency said.

It is planned for Vucic to attend the EU-Western Balkans summit, which is being held in Tivat, Montenegro, on June 4 and 5.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Shutterstock

The fate of Petroleum Industry of Serbia (NIS) remains one of the most important economic and energy issues in the country, but the latest information from St. Petersburg indicates that negotiations are not yet over and that all parties involved are trying to find a sustainable, long-term solution.

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said after a meeting in Saint Petersburg with Gazprom Neft CEO Aleksandr Dyukov that the negotiations between Gazprom Neft and the Hungarian MOL Group are continuing, and that the Hungarian company has requested an additional 30 days for their completion.

"We just spoke with the first man of Gazprom Neft Dyukov. We discussed the current situation regarding NIS. He confirmed that the negotiations between Gazprom Neft and MOL continue and that MOL asked for additional time to complete the negotiations. We know that the (US) deadline expires on June 6, and they asked for an additional 30 days to complete the negotiations," said the minister.

According to her, the president and CEO of MOL Group, Zsolt Hernadi, confirmed the same information the day before.

"It's clear that there is a will to find a solution and to make it sustainable in the long term," said Djedovic Handanovic.

During the meeting, they also discussed the business of NIS in the conditions of increased uncertainty because of license issues and international circumstances affecting the energy sector.

The minister pointed out that the company continues its regular activities and that the Pancevo refinery is working without interruption, while the director of Gazprom Neft confirmed that NIS will submit a request (to OFAC) for a new extension of the operating license that expires on June 16.

"We remain committed to finding solutions for NIS, especially in the complex global circumstances concerning crude oil supply and energy price movements," the minister said.

Additional pressure on the energy market comes from the global stock markets, where the price of Brent rose to almost 98 dollars per barrel. The minister assessed that this represents a challenge not only for Serbia, but also for the whole of Europe.

In order to protect the domestic market from major disruptions, the state has taken a number of measures in recent months, including reducing excise duties and releasing part of strategic reserves to the market.

"We managed to preserve supply and price stability. We have not had major price shocks or shortages such as in certain countries in the region," the minister pointed out.

She recalled that the ban on the export of oil derivatives from Serbia is in force in order to increase domestic supplies and ensure market stability in the event of additional global disturbances.

Serbia now faces two important dates - June 6, when the deadline for the current negotiations between Gazprom Neft and MOL expires, and June 16, when the NIS operating license expires. The developments in one of the most important energy stories in the region will depend on the decisions made in the coming weeks.

(Telegraf Biznis)

Printscreen: TV Prva

President Aleksandar Vucic spoke today in Belgrade with the president of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, about improving Serbia's relations with that international organization and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding and connecting countries, and on that occasion stressed that Serbia will continue to make an active contribution to the IPU.

"Cordial conversation with Tulia Ackson about the improvement of Serbia's relations with this important international organization and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding and connecting countries," Vucic announced on the Instagram account "buducnostsrbijeav".

He added that he and Ackson also discussed the Second Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians, which is being held in Belgrade.

"We also spoke about the Second Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians, which is being held in Belgrade, as well as the empowerment of women and their greater participation in political and public life. I pointed out that Serbia is proud to be the host of this important international gathering," wrote the president of Serbia.

Vucic added that Serbia has been a member of the IPU for more than 135 years, and remains committed to strengthening international ties, mutual respect and consistent respect of international law.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Gracanica; Photo: Tanjug/STR

Health and educational institutions employees gathered today in the Serb enclave Gracanica and in the surrounding places to attend rallies in support of the Serbs, directors of educational and health institutions, that have been arrested in Kosovo and Metohija.

Employees held a peaceful half-hour protest in support of the arrested managers in front of the internal medicine and pediatric clinic in Laplje Selo.

Support rallies were also held today by the KBC Pristina employees with temporary headquarters in Gracanica, who are protesting the unlawful arrest of Director Bratislav Lazic, as well as several others.

Peaceful protests also continued in front of the Healthcare Center in Gracanica and in Gusterica, Elementary School Braća Aksic in Lipljan, Elementary School Kralj Milutin in Gracanica, Elementary School Miladin Mitic in Laplje Selo, Secondary School Center in Laplje Selo, Elementary School Sveti Sava in Susica, Grammar School and Agricultural High School from Lipjan with temporary headquarters in Lepina, Secondary Mechanical School in Preoc, Elementary School in Ugljar near Kosova Polje, as well as in other educational and healthcare institutions in the territory of the municipality of Gracanica.

Rallies in support of the arrested Serbs have been held for the 11th day, and it has been announced that they will last until those now in jail have been released.

The Basic Court of the provisional institutions in Pristina on Thursday ordered the seven arrested directors of Serbian educational and healthcare institutions from the Gracanica municipality to be kept in detention for 30 day.

They were detained on May 19 because they allegedly committed the crime of "violation the free choice of voters", and the prosecution of the Pristina institutions announced that they were detained based on the claims made by Minister of Communities and Return Nenad Rasic, who said they allegedly threatened voters ahead of the June 7 elections in Kosovo and Metohija.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/AP

Novak Djokovic has posted on social networks to react to the Cincture of the Theotokos (the Belt of the Holy Mother of God) being displayed in the Temple of St. Sava in Belgrade, and the huge number of people who are waiting in long queues to witness this extraordinary relic.

In recent days, the Temple has been the focal point for believers from throughout Serbia, but also beyond, who have the opportunity to bow down and kiss the Cincture of the Theotokos.

According to information published earlier, from May 20 until today, more than 400,000 believers have done this. And now the best tennis player of all time, Novak Djokovic, has reacted.

Namely, Djokovic shared a video showing the believers waiting in lines in front of the the Temple of St. Sava, and accompanied that with a powerful message.

"Holy Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. God is with you when no one else is. There is no greater force than that of God," Djokovic wrote in Serbian.

Printscreen: Instagram

The Serbian tennis star was last week eliminated in the third round of this year's French Open.

(Telegraf.rs)

Printscreen: TV Prva

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic met on Tuesday with President of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates Saqr Ghobash and pointed out that joint projects in previous years have given a strong impetus to the partnership between the two countries and that the Emirates is one of the most important partners of Serbia in the Gulf region.

"A cordial and substantive conversation with the president of the Federal National Council of the UAE about overall bilateral relations, further strengthening of political dialogue, economic cooperation, investments, trade and joint projects that in previous years gave a strong impetus to our partnership," Vucic stated in a post on Instagram.

He also pointed out that relations between the two countries are the best proof to what degree mutual trust, stability and long-term vision can bring concrete results.

Vucic added that he reiterated his immense gratitude to the sincere and proven friend of our country, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, for his great support and personal involvement in deepening the close and friendly ties between Serbia and the UAE.

"As one of today's greatest global leaders, he demonstrated in all difficult moments what it means to be a friend and a reliable partner on whom we could always rely," the president added.

Vucic said that during Tuesday's conversation they paid special attention to the current global and regional political situation, especially the circumstances in the Middle East, as well as the importance of preserving peace, stability, dialogue and a responsible approach in times of great challenges.

"I pointed out that Serbia extremely values ​​the role of the UAE as an important and influential actor, dedicated to stability, development and connections. We also discussed improvement of parliamentary cooperation, as an important part of the overall relations between our countries," Vucic pointed out.

The president of Serbia added that he believes that through continuing the close political dialogue and cooperation at all levels, the friendship between Serbia and the UAE will be further strengthened and space will be opened for new joint initiatives in the interest of our citizens.

Ghobash is on an official multi-day visit to Serbia, during which he will meet with other state officials, and today he will address a special session of the Serbian National Assembly.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: MUP

Police officers from the Internal Control Sector of the MUP, by order of the public prosecutor of the Special Department for Suppression of Corruption of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, detained a Belgrade police officer from the Labor Control Department, B.M (41), and a police officer from the Vracar police station N.K (36), on suspicion that they committed the criminal offense of abuse of official position.

There are grounds to believe that the said police officers enabled M.R. to acquire a number of firearms, as well as the approval to the re-issue a collector's permit, to whom other police administrations previously did not grant such permits for security reasons.

Unofficially, one of the arrested suspects is a close associate of the former head of the Belgrade Police, Veselin Milic.

Photo: MUP, Veselin Milic

The suspects are now being detained for up to 48 hours, after which they will be brought to the public prosecutor's office for questioning along with a criminal complaint.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Milena Djordjevic

In a large and coordinated operation carried out by the Department of Internal Control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) and the Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime, an organized criminal group that was involved in the illegal smuggling of excise goods was broken up in Belgrade today.

Seven people ended up behind bars on suspicion that for they for months ravaged foreign ships sailing along the Danube and created a "black market" of oil in improvised warehouses.

Who has been arrested?

By order of the prosecution, the following persons were arrested: I.R., D.R., R.Z., D.J., N.DJ., S.B. and V.T.

They are charged with the criminal offenses of association for the purpose of committing criminal offenses and the extended criminal offense of illegal circulation of excise goods.

According to official data from the investigation, this group acted according to a pre-prepared plan in the territory of Belgrade in the period from August 2025 until today. Members of the group approached foreign ships sailing on the Danube, and then transferred huge amounts of eurodiesel from them. They poured the fuel directly into large plastic containers that were masked beforehand in cargo vehicles.

After the successful transfer, the fuel was transported to improvised storage facilities in secret locations. From there, they released it into circulation without authorization, without paying taxes and excise duties, which resulted in as yet undetermined but enormous illegal financial gains.

The seven-member crew will be brought directly to the premises of the Public Prosecutor's Office for organized crime along with the criminal complaint where they will be questioned.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: University of Utah

US President Donald Trump has nominated several candidates for ambassadorial, judicial and high administrative positions, including the new US ambassador to Serbia, it was announced on the official White House website. Among the nominees is Michael Young from Utah, who will, if confirmed, become the next US ambassador in Belgrade.

Michael Young is an American lawyer and diplomat. He is an experienced expert in international law and diplomacy who during his career held high positions in the State Department, and was at the helm of several major US universities.

He was president of the University of Utah from 2004 to 2011, president of the University of Washington, and then president of Texas A&M. Michael Young is a lawyer by education, a graduate of Brigham Young University, who received his doctorate from Harvard Law School.

He served at the State Department as deputy legal counsel, deputy undersecretary for economic and agricultural affairs, and ambassador for trade and environmental affairs during the George W. Bush administration.

Young also participated in the negotiations on the unification of Germany, on the NAFTA agreement, as well as the negotiations that led to the establishment of the World Trade Organization.

Michael Young served as chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, indicating significant experience in the field of foreign policy and international relations.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Telegraf.rs

Acting General Director of Srbijavoz ("Serbia Train") Ljubisa Pejicic says that the public company's mobile application, which allows travelers to quickly and easily purchase monthly tickets via their phones, already has 400,000 users.

Pejicic announced that the next step in digitalization and improvement of user experience will include sale of international tickets, which is expected to start soon.

"About a month ago, we introduced the possibility of buying monthly tickets. With a few taps on the phone, our passengers secure their monthly tickets. They don't have to wait in queues," Pejicic told Tanjug.

Digitization at Srbijavoz includes not only services for passengers, but also covers all internal business operations.

The final phase of the implementation of the EMIS project is underway, that allows business processes performed by train drivers to get transferred from paper to tablets.

The software is already operational among train drivers, which significantly modernized and accelerated their work.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Printscreen: TV Prva

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic announced last evening that in ten days, the portal "Who the hell are you" (Serbian: "Ko si bre ti") will be launched, which Serbians will be able to use to lodge complaints about "people in power".

The portal's name is supposed to be the response to the entitled question some of those persons in authority ask, namely, "Don't you know who I am?"

Vucic told Prva TV that he will personally read most of the content received by that portal and added that there will be others who will do that as well, but that he will personally try to answer most of them.

"Every day I will read what are the most common remarks from people and try to answer them. It will be the famed portal 'Who the hell are you?' based on, 'Don't you know who I am?' There is a degree of arrogance that is just impossible to bear and impossible to tolerate. People always see arrogant people in someone else, never in themselves. And that is why it's difficult to find objective criteria," said Vucic.

The president added that he wants to get as much accurate data as possible, real data from people, not based on someone's impression or someone's personal relationship with another person.

(Telegraf.rs)

Illustration; PHOTO: RINA

A strong storm, accompanied by heavy rainfall and large hailstones, hit the territory of the municipality of Arilje in western Serbia this afternoon, and the situation was most critical was in the village of Vrane.

Videos captured by local residents and posted online show the heavy downpour and gale-force winds, while hazelnut-sized hailstone covered yards and roads and made them appear white in just a few minutes.

Detailed information about any material damage to crops and infrastructure is not known at this time.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo collage: Shutterstock, Nikola Tomic

The Government of Serbia has extended the ban on export of oil and oil derivatives until July 2.

The Government of Serbia announced that at today's extraordinary session, it adopted the amended decision on a temporary ban on the export of oil and oil derivatives, which extends the temporary ban on the export of oil and oil derivatives until July 2, 2026.

"This decision was made taking into account that global events continue to significantly affect the supply of oil and oil derivatives, as well as the reduced offer," the government said in a statement.

At another extraordinary session held on March 9, the Government of Serbia adopted a decision banning the export of oil and all oil derivatives used to power engines, which was valid until March 19. Afterwards this deadline was extended to protect the domestic market from shortages and price surges caused by global disruptions.

(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)

Photo: Pixabay

Monday dawned warm and sunny in most areas in Serbia, or moderately overcast in some places. However, a significant change in the weather will happen as soon as during the day.

By the middle of the day in the north-west, in the afternoon and in the evening also in other parts of the country, it will be cloudy with rain, showers and thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms are also expected in some places, along with hailstorms and gale-force winds.

Maximum temperatures will range from 22 degrees Celsius in the northwest to 30 degrees in the southeast of Serbia, in Belgrade up to 26°C.

In areas with pronounced showers, more than 30 liters of rain per square meter is expected to fall in a very short time.

Storms will be most pronounced in the middle of the day, in the afternoon and in the evening.

Photo: zoomEarth

Parts of the provinde of Vojvodina in the north and western Serbia will be first hit by thunderstorms and heavy rain, and this weather will then spread to other parts of Serbia.

Storms will be possible in the wider area of ​​Belgrade on Monday the afternoon.

It will be clear in the north of Serbia on Tuesday, with showers in the morning in other parts of Serbia, and the sky clearing during the day.

It will also be a little cooler.

Starting on Wednesday, the weather will turn warmer again, but also cloudier, bringing rain and showers towards the end of the day, while thunderstorms with hail are again forecast for some places.

It will be cooler and rainy on Thursday, clearing up towards the end of the day.

On Friday, the weather will stabilize, so the coming weekend is expected to be warmer, on Saturday sunny, and on Sunday overcast.

Given that a high risk of storms is expected on Monday, citizens are advised to regularly monitor information coming from state and competent services and act accordingly.

Attention should also be paid to very high levels of UV radiation, as citizens are advised to avoid spending more than 10 minutes directly exposed to the sun from 10:00 to 16:00 hours.

(Telegraf.rs)

Serb List logo; Photo: Wikimedia/ Djidash

Jovana Radosavljevic, a Serb List candidate in the early elections in Kosovo and Metohija organized to elect deputies in the assembly in Pristina, said today that the goal of the party in the June 7 ballot is to win all ten seats guaranteed for Serbs, although she assessed that constant election cycles make voters apathetic and mistrustful.

Radosavljevic said that the situation for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija has been difficult and unpredictable for years, which is why a large turnout is necessary in the upcoming vote.

"That is why it's important to have a high turnout in these elections, as well as winning all ten parliamentary seats in the Kosovo parliament, in order to ensure political representation and continue that struggle at an institutional level, because when I mention the problems that the Serb people in Kosovo are facing, there are many of them and there will probably be many more. That's why it is necessary to have people on the political stage who have experience and understanding and knowledge of the institutions, in order to continue that struggle, both in the institutions themselves, and in communication with representatives of the international community," she told RTS this morning.

Speaking about the problems faced by the Serb people, she mentioned the shutting down of healthcare facilities in Srbica and Obilic, as well as the takeover of railway stations in the north of Kosovo and Metohija.

She added that there have also been "very propagandistic moments from representatives of Albanian parties who are campaigning in the north of Kosovo. People are tired, but I think they definitely need to see that participating in the elections, which are scheduled for June 7, is extremely important for the continuity of the coming institutional struggle," said Radosavljevic.

According to her, although most of the talk is about the problems faced by Serbs living in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, Serbs living south of the Ibar are also facing problems.

"The fact is that there are also problems there. They may not be the same, but we share the same sense of lack of security, and of institutional pressure. My going there was intended to show unity and the message that we are not alone in this and that we have to stick together to overcome it all," she explained.

Radosavljevic added that it is difficult to motivate voters when elections are repeated every few months, especially since the perception is that things are getting much worse than before.

"That's why it's important to go to the polls and directly contribute to correcting the representation of Kosovo Serbs in the institutions in that way. We have seen what it means when we are not in the institutions, both at the local level and at the central level, when the decisions that concern us are made on our behalf and what far-reaching consequences this can have on our lives. That is why I repeat that it is important to go to the polls and try to win all ten seats in the Kosovo parliament guaranteed for Serbs," she concluded.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Sava Radovanovic

The leader of the Serbian Progressive Party, SNS, and presidential adviser Milos Vucevic published a message on his Instagram account in which he emphasized the importance of the international position of Serbia and the reputation that President Vucic enjoys among world leaders.

Vucevic shared a photo showing President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, honoring President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic with a top medal, as well as an image collage referring to US President Donald Trump quoting the statements made by the Serbian president during an interview for US media.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping awards him a medal, US President Donald Trump quotes him. SERBIA WINS!", wrote Vucevic.

The SNS leader previously assessed that President Vucic's visit to Beijing was a confirmation of the strong relations between Serbia and China, as well as the respect that Serbia enjoys on the international scene.

The post caused numerous reactions on social networks, and many pointed out in the comments that such meetings and acknowledgments show the strengthening of Serbia's international position.

(Telegraf.rs/Dnevnik)

Photo: Tanjug/AP, Tanjug/Dragan Kujundyic

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has thanked US President Donald Trump for the respect he showed toward Serbia, stressing that relations between the two countries "will only move upward".

"I thank President Donald Trump for the respect he showed to our country and I believe that relations between Serbia and America will only move up," Vucic wrote on his Instagram account, as part of a post that shows Trump shared Vucic's interview with Breitbart on his Truth Social network.

In that interview Vucic among other things stated that Trump is much more popular in Serbia than any other US leader.

Vucic gave interview before leaving for Beijing last week, and it was published on Sunday. The Serbian president said that Trump enjoys "by far the most support" in Serbia compared to anywhere else in Europe and that not even US states like West Virginia, Kentucky or Louisiana can compare to the favorable stance on Trump in Serbia.

"What I can say is that I was surprised by some comments made in the press in the United States, where some other European countries were highlighted in the past as 'Donald Trump' strongholds, because it was very obvious to all of us that in Serbia he had by far the greatest support, during the election campaign, and that support even at that time exceeded 75 percent of those who declared themselves - which was not the case even in the United States. Nowhere else," said Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Aleksandar Vulin, handout photo

Aleksandar Vulin is in Moscow, where he is participating in the International Security Forum. While there Vulin met with Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergei Shoigu.

Vulin and Shoigu discussed the changes and challenges in the modern world and the necessity of preserving stability and opposing security threats. Vulin pointed out that Serbia remains deeply committed to the principles of a more fair and stable global order, as well as that support for the principles of multipolarity and the declaration of a multipolar world is crucial for the survival and freedom of sovereign states.

Shoigu stressed Vulin's contribution to the strengthening of relations between Serbia and Russia while Vulin served as the head of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and of the Security and Information Agency.

Vulin thanked the Secretary of the Security Council for the invitation to participate in the International Security Forum, which brings together high-ranking representatives of numerous countries, stressing that it is an exceptional opportunity to exchange experiences in the fight against modern security challenges and threats.

"Balance of fear is only guarantee against global conflict"

"The speed at which a new multipolar world with clear rules will be established does not depend on diplomacy or the economy. The speed at which a new world that offers guarantees of decades of world peace will be created depends only on the military strength of the key countries seeking to establish a multipolar world - Russia and China. As long as there is no balance of fear, it will not be possible to establish either political or economic balance, without which our planet will be doomed to disappear in random, numerous and increasingly bloody conflicts," Vulin said in his address at the International Security Forum.

Stressing that the unipolar world is dead but that the multipolar world has not yet come to life and that we are living in a time without international law, a security system and clear spheres of interest, Vulin warned that as long as western powers believe that Russian and Chinese leaderships will hesitate or even completely refuse to use all the military power at their disposal, the era of wars that have no cause and cannot be justified will continue.

"Abstaining from the use of nuclear weapons or a military potential close to nuclear weapons in terms of its devastating power will not establish peace nor will it bring the western powers to reason. The West is convinced that Russia's political statements will not be supported by military force, which they see as weakness and fear rather than restraint and a desire for peace," Vulin said, adding that prolonging the state of a dead unipolar world without clear rules in the new era will bring the world closer to an uncontrolled nuclear conflict much faster than would be the case otherwise, if full military potential were to be used to complete the special military operation.

"More people and countries will be saved from death and new wars if, through an unequivocal demonstration of military and even nuclear power, it is shown that the world faces a clear choice: either start negotiations about the creation of a global security order, or we will go into a conflict that will probably end our civilization. Humanity has forgotten the horrors of the Second World War, and that is why big western powers encourage every conflict, convinced that it will never come to their own territory," Vulin said and concluded:

"The hope that the unipolar world might return has not disappeared and will become stronger, while trust in the multipolar world and the possibility of its effective establishment in the foreseeable future is diminishing as time passes. The sooner it is shown that the belief of the West about supremacy over the East is a delusion, the sooner the time of wars and the bloody defense of the values ​​of the civilization of freedom will end. Peace and freedom are not given, they must be won."

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Milena Djordjevic, Telegraf.rs

Terrible news is coming from Sremska Kamenica in northern Serbia! Telegraf has learned that thieves have broke into the house of Viktorija Mihajlovic, Sinisa Mihajlovic's mother, to steal money as well as memorabilia from Mihajlovic's career, which are of inestimable value!

The disgraceful robbery took place on Tuesday in the early hours of the morning. Two masked thieves broke into the house while Sinisa's mother, Viktoria, was sleeping. But they also stunned her, in order to have more time to carry out the robbery.

Everything was recorded on cameras, the case has ben reported and the Novi Sad police in charge of Petrovaradin are working to shed light on this case.

In this house, Sinisa's brother Drazen collected items related to Sinisa Mihajlovic's career - the well-known footballer's trophies, photos, jerseys, boots...

Regarding this information, we contacted Drazen Mihajlovic himself, who confirmed that the news was true, but could not say more for the sake of the investigation, and only added that he hoped the case will be quickly solved, because the things that were stolen from the family of Sinisa Mihajlovic are priceless to them.

The entire Mihajlovic family is upset about this and hopes that the thieves will be found quickly and that the items will be returned to the family.

This is a big disgrace, considering what Sinisa Mihajlovic has done for the Serbian people through sports, playing for the national team, the connections he had with influential people in Italy, but also his humanitarian work, as one of the biggest benefactors to Sremska Kamenica and the Milorad Pavlovic Hospital and Orphanage.

Sinisa Mijajlovic died from leukemia on December 16, 2022, after a two and a half year battle with the disease.

Mihajlovic was born in Vukovar (then Yugoslavia, now Croatia) on February 20, 1969, and during his career he played for Borovo, Vojvodina, Red Star, Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio, and Inter. He played 63 games for the Serbian national team and scored 10 goals.

As a coach, he worked at Inter, Catania, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Milan, Turin, Sporting Lisbon, and Bologna, and was also the Serbian national team head coach for a while.

He was one of the most trophy-winning Serbian footballers in history. As a Red Star player, on this very day in 1991, he became the European club champion, as the Serbian club won the tournament that was later reformatted into the Champions League.

But now, unfortunately, we are hearing about his home being robbed, the stress placed on his family who have already been through so much, and the looting of props and memorabilia that his family kept throughout his career...

What remains is to hope that the police will quickly find the criminals and return all the stolen items.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: MUP

A large drug haul, netting about 20 kilograms of cocaine happened in Backa Palanka in northern Serbia and was carried out by members of the UKP police unit on a major international drug smuggling route.

According to the latest information from the investigation, the narcotics arrived directly from South America, while the final destination were supposed to be the two largest markets in Serbia, Telegraf.rs has learned.

Operational data shows that the seized cocaine was intended for street sale in Novi Sad and Belgrade.

Drugs smuggled across Danube by boat

According to exclusive information obtained by the police, two persons transported a bag full of cocaine by motor boat across the Danube, entering the territory of Serbia from Croatia, near Backa Palanka on our side. The drugs were found and seized near the Celarevo beach shortly after the boat arrived.

Behind the crime is a well-organized international drug smuggling gang that is using the Danube as a transit route to bypass official border crossings.

They planned to increase cocaine mass fivefold

These drugs are of extremely high purity, which would have allowed criminals to make huge profits by mixing it with other substances at a 1:5 ratio.

This means that as much as 100 kilograms for street sale could have been obtained from the 20 kilograms of actual cocaine, brining the illegal gains to 5 million euros.

One smuggler identified!

Although the suspects managed to escape just before the police arrived, the ring around them is closing. The latest information confirms that one person from the boat has already been identified, while work is being done to quickly identify the other smuggler.

An intensive manhunt has been launched for both of them and the UKP Service for Combatting Narcotics is currently conducting an extensive operation to locate and arrest the suspects.

Second major blow to drug gangs in two weeks

This operation is a continuation of an ongoing UKP crackdown along smuggling routes in this, northern part of Serbia.

Only two weeks ago, members of this same service carried out another spectacular operation at the Batrovci border crossing, when as much as 200 kilograms of marijuana and 2.5 kilograms of cocaine were seized.

The increased control at the borders, as well as on the rivers, is a clear signal that the country has raised the level of the fight against the transit of narcotics to the highest level.

(Telegraf.rs)

Illustration; Photo: Shutterstock

The Higher Public Prosecution in Vranje is investigating a case of peer violence that happened in nearby Bujanovac, when it was reported that a 12-year-old girl was stabbed in the genitals by a friend, who used a plastic fork in the attack.

The case was reported to the police by the mother of the victim.

Because minors are involved and the sensitivity of the case, all relevant institutions say that they cannot provide more details, except that the investigation is ongoing.

According to unofficial information, the girls were returning home from school, and when they entered a residential building, the attacker, a girl two years older than the victim, stabbed her.

The case was also reported to the Center for Social Welfare in Bujanovac, and the victim has undergone medical examination.

(Telegraf.rs/Blic)

Illustration; Photo: Shutterstock

A serious traffic accident took place last night after midnight in Fruskogorska Street in Martinci, near Sremska Mitrovica, when 18-year-old O.D. died, it has been confirmed by the Emergency Services.

According to information available so far, the accident happened when a Ford swerved off the road for unknown reasons, drove over a bridge, rolled over and ended up on its roof in a canal.

N.M. (22), B.R. (23) and O.D. (18) were in the vehicle. Unfortunately, the teen instantly died of his injuries, while two others were injured and transported to the hospital.

The police, ambulance crews and firefighters-rescuers all intervened at the scene of the accident. Because of the severity of the crash and the position of the car in the canal, firefighters worked for hours to pull it out.

Journalist Mladen Mijatovic has published a photo taken at the scene, showing the extent of damage done to the Ford:

Poto: Handout photo/M.Mijatovic

The tragedy has upset the locals in Martinci, and friends and acquaintances are saying goodbye to the youth.

"He was hardworking, responsible and loved by his peers. The fact that he was supposed to celebrate his graduation the next day is especially painful," his friends said.

The cause of the accident and all the circumstances under which the tragedy occurred will be determined after the investigation by the competent authorities has been completed.

(Telegraf.rs/Kurir)

Photo: Tanjug/Milos Milivojevic

President of the European Council Antonio Costa will tour the Western Balkans from June 1 to 5 in order to meet with regional leaders, and to co-chair the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro. As part of that visit, he will be in Belgrade on June 4, the EU has announced.

The focus of the visit will be discussions about the opportunities and challenges related to EU enlargement, gradual integration, regional cooperation, security and stability.

Costa will begin his visit to the Western Balkans in Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 1, a day later he will visit Albania and North Macedonia, and then Pristina on June 3.

On Thursday, June 4, Costa will visit Belgrade.

Antonio Costa will end his tour of the countries of the Western Balkans in Montenegro, where he will co-chair the EU-Western Balkans Summit on June 5, the theme of which is, "Shared prosperity and stability of the EU and the Western Balkans".

"My second tour of the Western Balkans sends a clear signal: EU's commitment to the region is real, as real as the opportunity for enlargement. The momentum is there. Now is the time for results," Costa has said.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Printskreen: TanjugLIVE

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said today that he will go to Montenegro for the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat in early June only because President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen invited him and added that otherwise he would not go there.

When asked by a journalist in Shanghai to comment on the leader of the Freedom and Justice Party, Dragan Djilas, saying that Serbia's path to the European Union has already ended because it is not possible to reach Brussels via Beijing, while certain opposition politicians say that he is going to Tivat "only to irritate the hosts" - Vucic said that he is a free man and that the Serbian people choose their own path.

He added that he will not go to Tivat via Beijing, but will decide for himself how to go.

"I won't go through Beijing, I will decide for myself how I will do it. Maybe I will go through Trebinje despite of Djilas' media, and maybe I won't. Whatever I choose. Because, you know, I am a free man and I choose my own path, just as our people choose their own path, no one else determines it for them. And it will be the same with Tivat," said Vucic.

Asked to comment on the verdict of the Montenegrin judiciary, which rejected the request of his brother, Andrej Vucic, that Podgorica's Vijesti editor-in-chief Mihailo Jovovic and editors and journalists Danilo Mihajlovic and Jelena Jovanovic jointly pay him 5,000 euros in compensation for the violation of honor, reputation and dignity, the president said that it was expected.

"I don't know why he needed to sue them, he thought as a normal person that when someone writes that he is a killer, a drug delaer, that someone would get into the merits of the matter," said Vucic.

The president also pointed out that in this case the judges did not do that, and that nowhere in the judgment does it say that his brother was in the wrong, but that he has to take it all because he is a "public figure".

"He is not a public figure, but it doesn't matter," added Vucic.

Also, he pointed out that some people in Montenegro will have to, at some point, face someone who is not afraid of one of the leaders of the Kavac clan, Radoje Zvicer, and his media minions.

"I will go to Tivat so that all those 'very brave' people who make their living on my family can explain it to me, because they know that I can't respond to them every day all day long, because I have much more important work to do. So they will have to face someone who is not afraid of Zvicer or his media and all other servants, who is able to respond to them all. So that will be interesting, it will be fun in any case, if I survive," said the president.

Also, the president of Serbia pointed out that those who protect what he called the two biggest (criminal) clans in Europe and in the greater part of the world have once again shown their power and nothing more than that.

"Look at their media, see what that is like. Those who say that there is something going on in Serbia, they punish television stations, they punish you because of one show. They are bothered by one show, and they just omitted to say what is not true in all of that. They are persecuting people because of one show. Every day, 500 reports containing the worst lies, the worst slop from Ivanovic's Vijesti and everyone else. There is no kind of rubbish they have not created," said Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Printscreen: YouTube/TanjugLive

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday addressed the public in Serbia from Shanghai, China.

"Serbia's economy grew 4 percent in April, more than the IMF had forecast," the president said at the beginning.

"I believe that for one of the two cities in the north of Serbia, or both - Sid and Zrenjanin - there will be big, big news in June! But I can't say more," he added.

"As for the military, the defense industry, I am very satisfied, that's all, I know what I can and cannot tell you. I can proudly say that the Serbian Army is growing. Our Army will be strong enough to protect us and act as a deterrent."

Today in Shanghai, Vucic, continuing his visit to China,met with representatives of China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO).

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Finance Sinisa Mali and Minister of Defense Bratislav Gasic.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Shutterstock

Officials from the Ministry of Economy of Pristina's provisional institutions, with the assistance of members of the so-called Kosovo police, today raided and took over the facilities belonging to Serbian Railways in Zvecan, Leposavic, Lesak and Ibarska Slatina.

They removed inscriptions written in Cyrillic and placed inscriptions in Latin reading, "Railway infrastructure of Kosovo" in Serbian and Albanian.

Flags of so-called Kosovo are also now hanging on the buildings belonging to Serbian Railways.

During the raid, the provisional Pristina institution's outgoing minister of economy, Artane Rizvanoli from the Self-Determination movement, as well as the head of the so-called of the Kosovo police Xhelal Svecla were in Zvecan.

A large number of members of the so-called Kosovo police were there as well.

Incidentally, the campaign for the upcoming early elections, which will be held on June 7, started today in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Ana Paunkovic

Despite complex global circumstances, Serbia has managed to preserve macroeconomic stability, continue economic growth and maintain investor confidence, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nevena Jovanovic said today at the opening of the Bloomberg Serbia Policy Outlook 2026 conference in Belgrade.

Jovanovic pointed out the importance of maintaining the investment credit rating, export growth and further development of the IT sector, according to the announcement.

She also emphasized the importance of continuing large infrastructure and innovation projects, as well as preparations for the specialized international exhibition EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, assessing that it represents an important development and investment project for our country.

The conference brought together representatives of the financial, business and technological sectors, as well as representatives of the diplomatic community and the media.

(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic/bs

The president of the Serbian Assembly, Ana Brnabic, is on an official visit to Spain today.

Brnabic will meet with Senate President Pedro Rollan and Congress President Francina Armengol in Madrid, the Serbian Assembly has announced.

Brnabic will also have a meeting with the Spanish Joint Congress-Senate Committee for the European Union.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Private archive

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Marko Djuric pointed out in New York during a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, that this week is extremely important for the relations between the two countries and that it will give a strong impetus to further strengthening the Serbian-Chinese partnership and its historic rise.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Djuric assessed the meeting with the head of Chinese diplomacy was taking place at an important moment, during the first official state visit of President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic to China, expressing his belief that this visit will give a strong impetus to further strengthening of friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

He pointed out that as many as 35 different documents were signed or published during the visit and new investments were agreed upon that will speed up the development and modernization of Serbia.

He said that Serbia remains firmly committed to further improving its partnership with friendly China.

The head of Serbian diplomacy thanked China for its principled stance on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, saying that Serbia will continue to consistently support the key interests of the People's Republic of China as well.

He also pointed to the successful cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral level, stressing that Serbia remains committed to further deepening it, in the spirit of traditionally good and friendly relations.

Speaking about economic cooperation, Djuric assessed that it is developing dynamically through the implementation of numerous capital projects and investments, especially singling out the involvement of Chinese companies in the construction of traffic infrastructure.

Recalling his visit to China in late 2024, Djuric invited Minister Wang to visit Serbia in the coming period.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Printskreen: TanjugLIVE

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic spoke today in Shanghai, from where he shared impressive photos taken on the bank of the Huangpu River, saying that he is extremely proud of the ironclad friendship between Serbia and China.

This visit also brings great news for our country, and the president highlighted two revolutionary projects.

On his social accounts, Vucic showed off shots of one of the world's largest metropolises, fascinated by the speed with which China is developing, but also by the status that our country has there.

"On the bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. Just so you can see in one frame how and at what speed this city and the People's Republic of China are making progress. Proud of our friendship and the reputation that Serbia enjoys here," wrote Vucic.

The president's post attracted a lot of attention from followers, primarily because of the incredible scenes of modern Shanghai and the lights of magnificent skyscrapers reflected in the Huangpu River.

Today Shanghai is a global symbol of the Chinese economic miracle, as well as one of the most important financial and trade centers on the planet. The famous Huangpu River divides this city into the historical part and the ultra-modern business district of Pudong, recognizable for its breathtaking futuristic skyscrapers.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Shutterstock

A hot day in Serbia. Already at midday, temperatures were around 30 degrees Celsius across the country, with Kikinda and Negotin reporting 31°C. It was 29°C in Belgrade.

It is also very warm on the mountains. Zlatibor and Sjenica measured 23°C, Kopaonik 16°C.

Photo: meteociel

The rest of the day will be sunny and very warm.

Maximum temperatures will range from 30 to 34°C, in Belgrade up to 32°C.

Most of the rest of Europe is also experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures reaching over 35 degrees. This weather has come Serbia from the west. Fortunately, it will not be as intense as there, and will get cooler from Thursday with the influx of a fresher air mass coming from the north.

Photo: meteociel

Later in the afternoon and during the evening it will get cloudy in the north and west of Serbia, followed by showers and thunder.

Showers are first expected in the province Vojvodina, primarily in Backa, and later in the other said parts of Serbia.

After a tropical day, there will be conditions for showers with thunder during the evening and night in Belgrade as well.

During the rest of the night, showers with thunder will move over other parts of Serbia further south, where they will arrive on Thursday morning and before noon.

Today, there is very intense UV radiation, and people are adivised to stay out of the sun from 10:00 to 16:00 without adequate protection.

Starting on Thursday, the temperatures will drop by 5 to 7 degrees, but it will still be warm for this time of year.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav

That the world can be a very small place, as was evident today in the distant China, where President Aleksandar Vucic met a Chinese man who is his great admirer. This happened in a Minth "factory of the future" - their innovation center, where humanoid robots are produced and trained.

Those will arrive in Serbia in mid-July, making Serbia a leading country in Europe where this technology is concerned.

The Chinese worker immediately knew who had come to visit, who Vucic was, because the visit of the president of Serbia to China has drawn a lot of attention in that country with more than a billion inhabitants, where Vucic's arrival is in the press and on TV around the clock, continuously on the front pages and in prime time TV slots.

The meeting between the president and his admirer was extremely cordial, including a friendly handshake and a short conversation.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Pixabay/distelapparath

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said today that he will discuss production of nuclear energy with various potential partners, but always with those who provide the best conditions for Serbia and added that it is certain that we will have at least two partners.

Vucic, who is visiting China, was responding to a journalist who asked about his political opponents "fearing what will happen to the interest of Russians, French and Americans in this matter" - given that he held talks about nuclear energy in China yesterday. Vucic said that Serbia will talk with various sides.

"There is a big battle there now, a big fight, but we will work. We will definitely have at least two partners, at least two. I cannot reveal more, since we are just analyzing it now. We can analyze the financial conditions, but we cannot analyze the conditions that someone is offering to us in terms of quality, safety and everything else. That must be according to the absolute highest standards," said Vucic.

"I believe that with this (nuclear energy) we are literally saving Serbia," said Vucic.

Stating that the Chinese have "boxes, that is, gas generators into which gas is drawn," Vucic added that that one such box, which is the size of a telephone booth, produces 75kWs of electricity.

"Put eight boxes together, they produce 600kWs - put 80, they produce 6MWs. Our data center in Kragujevac is at 14MW. So, however much space the compressors require and everything else, where we have enough gas, and where we don't have time to build 35s, 110s, substations, because we don't have time, we don't have money, there is a solution. There's everything in China, they know how to make anything," he said.

Announcing that tomorrow in China he will also talk with those who will produce transformers in Serbia, Vucic added tat after the start of production in our country, everything will be closer and better.

"If we provide gas generators, nuclear energy, we are off to the races. Let's go to the future so that those who 'love' us so much and who judge every word we say cannot catch up to us," Vucic said.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Handout photo

On the first day of his visit to Moscow, where he is participating in the International Security Forum, Aleksander Vulin met with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov.

Vulin and Lavrov discussed the current political and security situation in the Balkans and geopolitical challenges facing the modern world.

Vulin pointed out that the Declaration on a Multipolar World, recently signed by the presidents of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, is the foundation of the new global security architecture and a key step towards establishing a fairer world order based on the sovereignty of states and respect of international law.

He added that Serbs and Russians do not have a single misunderstanding or different views of the world we live in, and no amount of threats or blackmail can change that.

Vulin also stressed that Serbia is a free country that, despite international pressure, has not and will not impose sanctions against the Russian Federation, adding that the policy of trying to isolate Russia has been defeated and proved to be foolish.

Vulin expressed his gratitude to the Russian Federation and Minister Lavrov personally for the consistent and principled support for Serbia's territorial integrity and of the Serb nation in international forums and organizations.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Milos Milivojevic

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic has congratulated Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha) to the reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community of Serbia and the chief mufti and president of the Meshihat of the Islamic Community in Serbia, as well as to all Muslim believers.

The message states:

"It is with deep appreciation that I warmly congratulate you Kurban Bayram, one of the greatest holidays in the Islamic tradition.

The strong message that this holiday carries is an opportunity for us, as a society based on justice, understanding and solidarity, to highlight the importance of unity, and work in a resolute, diligent and dedicat manner, as before, to develop our country.

I sincerely wish that the days of Bayram bring peace to all hearts and that the warmth of family closeness and spiritual strength be a guide to a future filled with progress and respect for tradition, values that the Republic of Serbia carefully preserves as its true treasure.

May the strength of faith and well-being fill your homes, and the spirit of harmony contribute to the path toward a stable and secure future. I wish that you spend the holiday in spiritual fulfillment, sharing in joy with your families, neighbors and friends. KURBAN BAYRAM SHERIF MUBAREK OLSUN!," Vucic concluded.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Handout photo

Aleksander Vulin met today in Moscow with the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Igor Zubov. Vulin is in the Russian capital to participate in the International Security Forum.

Vulin and Zubov agreed that the current bilateral relations between Serbia and Russia are at a high level, thanks to traditional friendship and mutual respect.

They also discussed the security challenges facing the modern world, which require cooperation and coordinated activities from the security sector in order to preserve stability and peace.

Zubov conveyed the greetings from Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and thanked Aleksandar Vulin for the exceptional cooperation achieved during the period when Vulin was serving as the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs)

Dragoljub Micunovic; Photo: Milena Djordjevic

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic has offered his condolences to the family and friends of Dragoljub Micunovic, who passed away today in Belgrade.

Micunovic was a university professor, philosopher, intellectual, a long-time member of the Serbian National Assembly, and one of the founders of the Democratic Party (DS), that has for decades been both in power and in the opposition in Serbia.

In his message, Vucic said that Micunovic's contributions to the development of political thought and public debate in Serbia remain indisputable and unique, regardless of the passing of time and the different interpretations of the political circumstances that our country has been going through.

The president added that such consistency and intellectually serious approach remain an important part of the legacy that goes beyond daily politics, the presidential press service quoted Vucic as stating.

"I offer my condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and everyone who respected him. May he rest in peace," President Vucic's message of condolences concluded.

Dragoljub Micunovic dided today in the Serbian capital at the age of 96.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Shutterstock

Economist Veljko Mijuskovic said today that the fact that the US Treasury Department's OFAC has extended the deadline for the negotiations between the Hungarian MOL and Gazprom Neft on the purchase of a majority stake in the Petroleum Industry of Serbia, NIS, until June 6, could be an indicator that the negotiations are in the final phase, as OFAC otherwise would not have allowed additional time to reach an agreement.

Mijuskovic told Tanjug that the question remains whether 14 days is enough time to finalize such a complex business transaction, bearing in mind that the public has no information about how far the negotiations have progressed.

He added that although extending the deadline for negotiations is an indicator they are in the final phase, they could still fail until the point the contract has been finalized.

Commenting on Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic saying that in the negotiations with MOL, the sides have moved closer and that she thinks a satisfactory outcome will be achieved, Mijuskovic assessed that this is likely true about some points of dispute regarding the capacity of the Pancevo refinery and security of energy supply, but that this does not mean there has been full agreement.

"This means Serbia's interests have not been fully met, and that is why the negotiations are continuing. I expect that if agreement is to be reached, the Serbian side should be respected to the highest degree," he said.

Asked whether Serbia can fully protect its interests in these negotiations, Mijuskovic said that although Serbia can try to protect its interests, it lost its interests in 2008 when the majority stake in NIS was sold.

Asked what the options are if Serbia is not satisfied with the MOL offer, Mijuskovic said that this is a question of strategic options and whether Serbia will make the best possible offer to the Russian, or if things will shift toward small shareholders.

According to him, it would be best for Serbia to buy the entire Russian share in NIS in order to return what is a Serbian national interest and a strategic resource that goes beyond the framework of the economy.

When it comes to the change of government in Hungary and the possible impact on the pace of these negotiations, Mijuskovic said that although declaratively that has not had an effect, "in essence it probably did."

"We still don't have confirmation that MOL and Gazprom Neft have reached agreement on all points. Currently, the focus is on what is being negotiated between Serbia and MOL, but I'm not sure that there is a fully defined relationship between MOL and Gazprom Neft," he said.

(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)

Photo: MUP Montenegro

A serious traffic incident occurred in the Rus tunnel on the Podgorica-Bar road in Montenegro, when an aggressive young driver decided to illegally overtake other vehicles.

As can be seen in the video released by the Montenegrin MUP, a fierce collision was avoided literally by a hair's breadth.

"Police officers recorded the driver J.R. (22) from Podgorica via video-surveillance as he performed illegal overtaking in the Ras tunnel, in that way seriously endangering the safety of other participants in traffic, bearing in mind that overtaking in tunnels is one of the most dangerous forms of irresponsible driving," the MUP announced.

The police established that the person thus committed several traffic violations.

A request will be submitted to the competent court to launch misdemeanor proceedings against J.R.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Jadranka Ilic

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday in Beijing that Serbia has China's support in preserving its territorial integrity and added that this support is firm, clear, unambiguous and unwavering.

"I mentioned today and we talked about Kosovo: China's firm support for preserving the territorial integrity of Serbia, and for Kosovo and Metohija as part of Serbia. Firm, clear, unambiguous and unwavering. As well as our support for the territorial integrity of China, that is, the One China principle: support on Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, any other place. There's also strong mutual support for all issues in line with the norms of international law and the UN Charter," Vucic told reporters in Beijing when asked whether he discussed Kosovo and Metohija, and a new military alliance in our region with President Xi Jinping.

He stressed that it is of great importance for Serbia that whatever is agreed with the Chinese side is honored.

"There is always what we call follow-ups, what has been achieved, they do that. There are no games, there's no kidding around. What happens with us, a meeting is over, and then 20 days pass before you remember that you were in that meeting. That's, unfortunately, what many people are used to. Fortunately, many people in our country are not, they act differently, and the Chinese are also very hardworking, dedicated, they push forward," said Vucic.

The president added that his visit to China has attracted a lot of media attention in that country, although at home, anti-government protesters deny this.

"I'm not actually here, just as much as there were 200,000 of them (at a protest in Belgrade over the weekend). Well, all the news programs here start with reports about our visit, yesterday and today. I didn't believe that a visit to the Great Wall of China could cause so much attention. President Xi talked today about what we said on the Great Wall of China, let alone this today, this is de facto the only news. But well, that's how it is with them (anti-government forces), that it doesn't matter," Vucic said when asked why his stance on China is more appreciated in the world than in Serbia, taking into account certain media reports in Serbia saying that the Chinese media are not covering his visit.

Vucic also said that the German chancellor has visited German factories in the west of China, that the French president and the US presidents also visited, and noted that it is implied by his critics that all of them have the right to do that, but he does not.

"'Who are you, little one, (president) with less than seven million inhabitants, to interfere in major world issues and who are you to be there, that is only reserved for us' - makes sense. So I understand that attitude and everything is fine, I have no problem," he added.

He also pointed out that the Chinese president previously said that he favors globalization and that China cannot be defeated economically.

"President Xi said: 'I am for globalization, China is winning, you can't beat China anymore in the market economy, put whatever product you want, China will make it of the same quality or better, and at least 75 percent of those products will also be cheaper'," Vucic said, and added:

"Then those who swore by the principle of free, liberal and market economy turned to protectionism. And then that protectionism reached its peak. Water cannot be stopped - you can build as many barriers as you like, but no one has stopped water, that's nature. And when someone works so hard and fights like these people here, how are you going to win? Very difficult, and these are the things that people have to look at from an objective point of view," said Vucic.

The president also spoke about the Chinese automobile industry that he said is very advanced, and that he hopes "we will soon see such car manufacturers in Serbia as well".

Vucic then noted that he expects to be criticized because he will go to Tivat in Montenegro to participate in the Western Balkans summit.

"As for the international position, many people will criticize us. That's why they run away from that topic in the regional media as well, because that's where Serbia's strength can be seen, of course. I expect to be criticized again, I'm going to Tivat soon."

"I'm used to such things, because some people don't understand that you can exert as much pressure as you want, but I always take Serbia's interest into account, and that's always more important to me than any pressure bearing on me. If Serbia's interest is something else, there's nothing I can do for those pressuring me," said Vucic.

Asked by a journalists to comment on the US State Department's report to the US Congress, which mentions the Western Balkans and Serbia, specifically the part that says the "malign influence of Russia and China" should be eliminated, Vucic said that Serbia respects what the US State Department is doing and will continue cooperation with the US, but will not abandon its policy.

"Great power! We will not give up our position, at least not as easily as some imagine, otherwise what do we need a state for if it's run by lapdogs who, when they get an email or are invited to meet in a bar to take notes of what homework is, rush to do that and undermine their country," said Vucic.

Vucic is on an official visit to the People's Republic of China from May 24 to 28, by invitation of President of China Xi Jinping.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/RADE PRELIC

The leader of the Serbian Progressive Party, SNS, and presidential advisor Milos Vucevic has signed a memorandum of cooperation between the SNS and the Chinese Communist Party, CCP.

In a post on his Instagram account, Vucevic - who is in Beijing as a member of President Aleksandar Vucic's delegation - stressed that this further strengthens the ironclad friendship between Serbia and China and confirms the common course of cooperation set by the two countries' presidents.

"To me, this is more than a formal agreement - ​​this is a new phase of cooperation and an opportunity to learn from the experiences, knowledge and the development model that China has built successfully," Vucevic stated.

He added that Serbia will continue to strengthen this ironclad friendship every day, in the interest of the state, the Serbian people, and the common future.

Vucevic is in Beijing along with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is on a five-day visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: MUP

Deputy PM and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic met today in the Palace of Serbia in New Belgrade with Singapore's Interior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam.

Welcoming his colleague, Minister Dacic pointed out that bilateral relations between our countries are good and friendly, the foundations of which were established during the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement, and that there is a stable tendency of their overall improvement.

In a cordial conversation, Dacic underlined the importance of exchanging opinions, experiences and examples of good practices with Singapore, especially in the field of combating high-tech crime, applying artificial intelligence in the security sector and protecting critical infrastructure, as well as intensifying visits at high and top levels.

During the meeting, Ivica Dacic indicated that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) is interested in improving cooperation with related services in Singapore by establishing a legal framework between the two ministries, which would create new opportunities for cooperation.

Dacic also stressed that Serbia is fully committed to further improvement and development of cooperation with Singapore, as evidenced by economic parameters recorded during the recent years.

(Telegraf.rs)

Printscreen: TV Pink

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic is visiting the People's Republic of China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

Today, on the second day of the visit, Vucic is meeting with Xi Jinping to discuss the key issues, while a number of important agreements will also be signed.

Xi also presented the Friendship Medal to Vucic - China's highest medal bestowed on foreign nationals.

As Vucic pointed out yesterday, today is the most important day of the visit, when he will meet and talk with Xi Jinping in both a wider and narrower format.

The president of China welcomed President Vucic with top honors in the the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. While the leaders were moving towards the podium, children were waving flowers and Serbian flags in order to greet the visiting official.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Mateja Beljan

The on-duty public prosecutor from the First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade on Monday attended the investigation at the scene of a serious traffic accident that occurred earlier in the day in the Dorcol neighborhood, the prosecutor's office has announced.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Cara Dusana and Knicaninova streets, when the tram derailed, flew through the intersection, and stopped only after crashing into a residential building.

According to official information from the prosecutor's office, there are currently 15 people hospitalized from the accident, including the tram driver. The extent of their injuries is being assessed.

Urgent on-site investigation

In order to precisely determine the cause of this accident, the prosecutor immediately issued orders to implement urgent investigative actions at the scene:

An urgent technical inspection of the tram was ordered to determine possible mechanical or electronic malfunctions.

The police will download footage from all security cameras in the area in order to reconstruct the movement of the vehicle.

All participants in this accident, as well as citizens who happened to be at the scene at the time of the accident, will be questioned.

All other legal measures are being implemented in order to fully and accurately establish the facts.

The First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office notes that the investigation is ongoing, and that the decision on further actions and the possible launch of criminal proceedings will be made immediately after all the necessary data and reports have been collected, about which the public will be informed in a timely manner.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Private archive

Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic said today that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's letter, in which he proposes privileged access to the single European market and closer ties with European institutions in the daily decision-making process for the Western Balkans and Moldova, shows that everyone recognizes the need to change the EU enlargement methodology.

Starovic assessed that no one can be completely satisfied with the content of the letter, but that it is important to discuss it.

"The very fact that we are having this debate, that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined the debate at the very top, shows that everyone has recognized the need to change the EU enlargement methodology, and that in itself is a good thing. If we go into the content, of course, no one can be too satisfied. Ultimately not even the Ukrainians are satisfied, who may see a degradation from full membership in this proposal, which they expected and were promised by many, to some kind of associated membership. We in the Western Balkans can't be satisfied either," Starovic told Pink TV.

The minister stated that he firmly believes that before the end of 2026, the debate that has been started will result in a new methodology that will be better for Serbia compared to the existing one.

"I firmly believe that sometime during this year, and certainly before the end of 2026, the ongoing debate will result in a concept of some kind of a new methodology that will certainly be better for us than the existing one. It's clear to everyone that the enlargement system can no longer function like this, where membership itself is set as a kind of a moving target," explained Starovic.

According to him, it is important that on the way to membership, Serbia receives concrete benefits for its citizens and economy.

"It's important that we have some principle of gradual steps, i.e. that on the way to membership we get concrete benefits for our citizens and for our economy, and that is what President Vucic insists on when he talks about the need to realize those four European freedoms in the full sense," said Starovic.

The minister added that during the summit in Skopje, he pointed out that it no longer makes sense to postpone dropping roaming charges for the Western Balkans, especially after access to the roaming-free zone was approved for Ukraine and Moldova.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Telegraf.rs

A serious traffic accident happened this morning around 09:30 on the corner of Cara Dusana and Knicaninova streets in the Dorcol neighborhood in central Belgrade.

A tram derailed and crashed into a building, leaving the vehicle's cabin crushed, and causing parts of the building to fall onto the sidewalk.

The line 10 tram derailed under as yet undetermined circumstances, traveled uncontrolably through an intersection, and then crashed straight into the building at the corner of the two streets.

According to the latest information, ten passengers in the tram were injured, having suffered cuts and contusions.

Two women, who were inside the building, have been lightly injured, but are also being treated for shock.

First videos and photos

Our portal exclusively published the first photos and videos from the scene, which were recorded by eyewitnesses immediately after the horrific crash.

The footage clearly shows the dramatic moment while the dust is still settling: the front part of the tram completely destroyed, the facade of the building and the store on the ground floor seriously damaged.

Traffic collapse and investigation

Tram and car traffic in Cara Dusana Street was completely halted in both directions this morning, as big traffic jams were forming in all the nearby streets and towards Kalemegdan.

The police were securing the scene and investigating. The investigation will determine the exact cause of this serious accident - whether it was a technical fault affecting the vehicle, a problem with the tram rails, or the human factor.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said after a series of meetings he has had in China that he had very important discussions with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and with Wang Huning, whom he described as one of the most important Chinese officials.

"He is one of the most important people who has always participated in formulating China's foreign policy. I have been meeting with him since 2019, and even today I took notes of what we talked about. Wang is referred to as the Chinese Kissinger, I've learned a lot from him," said Vucic.

The Serbian president adedd that the meeting with Prime Minister Li was of great importance and that they covered five areas, the first of which is the implementation of the Agreement on Free Trade between Serbia and China.

He noted that in 2025, exports to China increased by 20 percent, and by almost 85 percent in the first four months of this year, compared to 2025.

"There's a lot of space to achieve even more. Greater commitment is needed to be able to sell our products on the challenging Chinese market," said Vucic.

He added that talks were held with three retail chains and that goods produced in Serbia will be sold there, as well as that there were talks about placing our products in two Chinese airlines.

"It's serious business. We talked, within this point, and I asked them to help us solve the issues in Vranje and the south of Serbia in particular, to find strategic partners for Yumco and Simpo, and I believe that in the long term we will solve the issue of employment in the Pcinj District, where we have had and continue to have countless problems. When we think we've taken a step forward, some problem always pops up, but I think we're on the right track. I can't say the name of the company, but I think we have an agreement," said the president.

Vucic also noted that they spoke about numerous projects in the field of transport, energy and infrastructure, commenting that "we work a lot with their (Chinese) companies".

"Their companies are also building EXPO, I don't mean only the buildings, but also roads and railways, the Vozd Karadjordje, the Danube Corridor... We spoke under the third point about cooperation in innovation and also about nuclear energy and they offered us incredible conditions," he said.

Vucic mentioned that Chinese tourists want to get to know Serbia, and that every year more and more visitors arrive in our country. The fifth point of discussions was cooperation within the framework of major multilateral institutions, in the UN, mutual support regarding Taiwan and Kosovo and Metohija, and other issues.

"What is very important is the automotive industry. We have limitations there, between 55 and 70 percent of parts must be produced in the territory of the home country, and we must see to it that there are no hurdles when it comes to exports to the EU," said Vucic.

The president of Serbia also that there are big and serious projects ahead for our country, and that there will be talks about military-technical cooperation between Serbia and China.

He said that Wang Huning told him that "things are changing in the world and President Xi has said that things are changing more today than over the entire previous century, and that the world is at a crossroads."

Vucic then referred to the fact that until 2010, everyone was talking about free market, but when China accepted it, "they switched to interventionism and barriers".

"Everything has turned around, but it has a political consequence. Amid their nervousness, some countries are becoming more and more arrogant, they used to care about international order, now they no longer refer to it at all. And the job of China and us small countries is to refer to international law. Today, they no longer mention it, but preach about their values ​​through their NGOs. And there is nothing principled in their values, those change according to the needs (of those countries)," he said.

The president noted that it is "difficult to find our place in this world, but we must keep the peace", however, he emphasized that he is extremely satisfied with the meetings in China.

"Now the most important meetings are coming up. I hope to be concentrated, a total of 4 hours and 15 minutes with President Xi. I believe it will turn out well for our country. I will have a clearer picture at the end, but we received a lot of support in the first two meetings, and I believe that will continue," he said.

Vucic added that China will participate in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade "in the full format", but also noted that Serbia will not miss opportunities in China.

"I promised that we will work hard, that we will be present everywhere. To offer our goods to Chinese customers, they appreciate and like us here. There are few countries that lead a sovereign policy and that is why people respect us so much," he added.

Vucic expanded on the upcoming talks with Xi Jinping, sharing the topics on the agenda, and wondered "if everything can turn out the way one wants when one is nervous".

"But without that and pressure, you can't even speak well. I am very pleased with this morning's meetings and the friendship expressed and emphasized by Li Qiang and Wang Huning is of immense importance to our country. I can't talk about some tricky issues that are not always for the public, let's leave it at that, we also have some requests and wishes. We will also raise some economic issues in a narrower format, and I hope over dinner," said Vucic.

Asked by reporters about elections, the president of Serbia said they will take place soon.

Vucic also said that in March, Serbia had the highest salaries in the western part of the Balkans. He mentioned the statistics concerning other countries, but added that what is happening in Serbian would not be possible without Chinese investments. He added that Wang Huning thinks that Serbia is on the right path and said that we are closing the gap with the most developed countries.

"I want to inform you that for the first time, Serbia had the highest salaries in the Western Balkans, it was in March. It was 1,037 (euros a month), in Montenegro 1,026. We overtook someone who had 50 percent higher salaries than us 12 years ago. We had higher gross and net higher salaries than Bulgaria, which is a member of the EU. You see how Serbia is developing, Slovakia is ahead of us, a formidable and strong country, now they are ahead of us by some 145 euros. And our public debt rate is very low. We're slowly entering the category of EU countries that we are starting to catch up. These are big news and big things and we couldn't do it without the significant Chinese investments," he said.

He stressed that the point of everything he does is for people to live better, and that he will prepare extra for the meeting with Xi Jinping.

"I think we will have a lot of good news and we will talk about it more openly on Wednesday and Thursday," Vucic added.

The president also said that he is "proud that the kolo (traditional Serbian dance) danced on the Great Wall of China was shown on all Chinese TV stations".

He once again referred to the nuclear offer, saying it was "incredible" and that he was "shocked in a positive way by both the price and the construction deadlines".

"I think the biggest problem there will be us. And our ability to learn, to be frank," he said.

Vucic previously stated that he had an extremely important and meaningful meeting with Prime Minister of China Li Qiang and that it concerned further improvement of bilateral relations, new investments, infrastructure projects, and that they also spoke about key geopolitical and regional issues.

Later, Vucic met with Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning.

During the day, Vucic is scheduled to meet with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

Vucic stated earlier that his visit to China is of great importance and that he hopes that more than 30 agreements and will be signed.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Telegraf.rs

The digital platform Walk & Learn has been presented in the courtyard of the Sukkot Shalom Synagogue in Belgrade, in the presence of Israeli Ambassador to Serbia Avivit Bar-Ilan.

Walk & Learn is a project dedicated to preservation and revitalization of Serbian-Jewish cultural and historical heritage in Belgrade, through the use of augmented reality (AR) technology. The app was developed by Go Viral.

By connecting locations in Belgrade with stories about individuals who created history, the goal of the project is to inform, but also preserve memories and give them a contemporary expression; at the same time, the project is dedicated to the deep and lasting ties between the Serb and the Jewish peoples, that live on through the values ​​of memory, culture and mutual respect, organizers said.

Contributors to this project are well-known historians and publicists Cedomila Marinkovic and Davor Salom.

Photo: Telegraf

Israeli Ambassador Avivit Bar-Ilan told Telegraf that this is a very important project that presents key moments in the history of Serbia, and added she hopes that this project will spread not only in Belgrade, but throughout the country.

"This is a very exciting day for me personally but also as the ambassador of the state of Israel. My roots come from this country and therefore I attach a lot of importance to memorizing the rich history of the Jewish community that existed here before the Second World War. Unfortunately, I don't think people know enough about the very important history of how the Jewish people and the Serbian people collaborated, facing challenges during the Second World War, and this project, which is very innovative and dynamic, very accessible to the young generation, is of great importance to the young people here to know a very rich part of the history of this country. So I am very much grateful for this initiative and looking forward to not only five Jewish destinations, but to reach hundreds of destinations all over Serbia, that will share the very rich history of this country," said the ambassador.

President of the Jewish Community of Belgrade Aron Fuks said that this application is of great importance for the Jewish community, because "it saves from oblivion the people who were creative in this city for decades before the Second World War".

"For our community, which today is much smaller than it was, it is of great importance that an application serves to educate all fellow citizens who are interested in the history of our city, especially about those who are no longer here and have no one to speak on their behalf," said Fuks.

Photo: Telegraf

Aleksandar Nikolic, Honorary Consul of Serbia in Israel, said that the interest in the Holocaust is significant and understandable, but that t it is necessary to get acquainted with what previously existed and flourished to understand what disappeared during that period.

"Belgrade Jews were one of the pillars of economic, financial, cultural, academic, healthcare, artistic and sports development of the capital," said Nikolic, adding that the Jewish press, cultural and artistic societies and Sephardic cultural heritage are part of the overall cultural heritage of Serbia.

Photo: Telegraf

Davor Salom, an associate of the Jewish Historical Museum, said that the work on the project was an "emotional journey through time", through the common victories and sufferings of the Serbian and the Jewish peoples.

"Through this application, we repay the debt to those who believed that the greatest wealth is what we leave to others," said Salom. "The project revives the memory of notable figures such as Neti Munk and Hilda Dajc, as well as the Old Synagogue (Stara sinagoga) as a symbol of former Jewish life in Belgrade."

Before the presentation, the Braca Baruh Choir performed, in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Culture, the Secretary for Culture of the City of Belgrade Jelena Medakovic, and other officials.

Photo: Telegraf

How it works

With a smartphone or tablet, users can scan objects and locations in Belgrade and activate AR content. This way they get access to visuals and narratives, stories about historical figures and events.

The content is available in Serbian and English.

The project coveres five important locations in Belgrade (addresses in Serbian):

Sukkot Shalom Sinagoga, Marsala Birjuzova 19

Jevrejska zajednica Beograda, Kralja Petra 71

Magazin 1907 Café, Kralja Petra 16

Jevrejski kulturni centar, Jevrejska 16

Stara Sinagoga, Visnjog Stevana 5

The Walk & Learn project is important, it was emphasized, for the sake of preserving the memory of the Jewish community which before the Second World War numbered about 30,000 people in Belgrade. Via digital tools, this memory and history is brought closer to the younger generations, in this way contributing to the culture of remembrance of the Holocaust.

Organizers point out that this allows Belgrade to be positioned as a city that uses technology to interpret cultural heritage, while also strengthening the ties between Israel and Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Instagram/UG Jadovnik

An unusual and endearing moment was caught on camera in a Serbian village, and then published by the Jadovnik association from Prijepolje. The video showing the behavior of a bear went viral in record time and made the entire region laugh.

Namely, in the dead of night, security cameras caught the bear walking into the village. What people found most entertaining is when this forest dweller decided to stand up on his or her hind legs.

In a way that resembles a person carefully observing the surroundings, the bear stood for a few moments, looking around as if to make sure everything in the village was under control.

The association Jadovnik, which deals with the protection and preservation of wild animals in this area, humorously titled this video, "The on-duty bear".

Social media users immediately responded with their own hilarious reactions.

"Looks like he took over the third shift for village security", "Real head of the household, went out to check everything's in order", "Just checking if the gate is locked", are some of the comments.

Although encounters with large wild animals often cause fear, this video showed a completely different side of their coexistence with humans on the Jadovnik mountain.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic

Prime Minister of Serbia Djuro Macut said today, at the ceremony marking Africa Day in Belgrade, that Serbia is proud of the tradition of friendship with the peoples of Africa and is ready to continue building relations with all the countries from the African continent on those foundations, starting from the principles of respect and equality.

Macut pointed out that Serbia wants to reach a common goal - a better life for all citizens - together with African countries through cooperation, concrete projects and activities.

"We will continue to speak the same language in the international arena, the language of international law, respect for the sovereignty of all states and respect for diversity," Macut said at the ceremony in the Palace of Serbia.

He told representatives of African countries that they have an ally in Serbia and the support of a sincere friend, citing the African proverb that "the path to a friend's home is never long".

"Serbia, although geographically distant, is your friend and here you are in your own home. And just as the rain wets a leopard's fur, but does not remove its spots, so the period during which we may not have been sufficiently present on the continent where civilization was born, did not change the essential, timeless and endless friendship between us," said Macut and added that these are not just political platitudes but something that is demonstrated every day.

He stated that in his youth he had many colleagues from African countries he went to school with, and that he is particularly proud of the fact that young people still have the opportunity to study together through the "World in Serbia" program.

The prime minister added that the connections made in this way are stronger than any politics and any interest because they are based on what is most valuable - young people.

"Thank you for trusting us so much and for sending them to study here, and rest assured that we will continue to help them feel in Serbia as in their second home," said Macut.

The ceremony began with the sounding of the anthems of the African Union and Serbia, while the celebration of Africa Day was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric, Ambassador of Algeria to Serbia and doyen of the Group of Ambassadors of African countries in Belgrade Fatah Mahraz, as well as representatives of the embassies of other African countries.

Africa Day is celebrated on May 25, in commemoration of the day when the heads of 32 independent states from the African continent signed a charter in Addis Ababa that created the first organization of independent African states  - the Organization of African Unity, which grew into the African Union.

Since 2017, Serbia has officially celebrated May 25 as the Day of Friendship with the Peoples of Africa.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

PHOTO TANJUG/ ZORAN ZESTIC

Deputy leader of the Serb List Igor Simic said today that the arrest and the 30-day detention of a number of Serbs, directors of healthcare and education institutions from the area of the Serb enclave of Gracanica in Kosovo and Metohija, is a disgraceful, politically motivated and unfounded move, meant to put pressure on the healthcare and education system which are the pillars on which the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija rely.

"I am here (in Gracanica) as someone who is part of the Serb List, but also as a friend and brother of Mirjana and Sasa, as well as Nebojsa, Ljubisa and all the other unjustly arrested people, to repeat that this is politically motivated, that these are honorable people, who treated, educated and helped the Serb people, but also everyone else and as you can see even during the protest services are provided to everyone regardless of nationality, in an absolutely professional and responsible manner," Simic said.

Together with another vice-president of the Serb List, Srdjan Popovic, Simic joined the Pristina-Gracanica clinic employees, who held a peaceful protest in support of their arrested colleagues.

Simic pointed out that healthcare and education workers do not agree with the disgraceful, politically motivated and unfounded decision to detain the leaders of healthcare and education institutions for up to 30 days for doing something that is absolutely allowed under the labor law, rather than being any criminal offense.

Simic stated that he was informed by the workers that these protests organized in support of the arrested Serbs will continue in other institutions as well, until they are released.

He supported the employees in the healthcare and education sectors who, even in difficult conditions, continue to work for the people.

"Just so all those - above all the regime of Albin Kurti, but also the lapdog Rasic - know, if they thought that they would intimidate these people, that they would stop working, providing medical treatment and educating people in these areas, they are seriously mistaken," Simic stressed.

He added that rallies are being held today in other healthcare and educational institutions throughout Kosovo and Metohija and that this kind of support will be demonstrated until all those unjustly arrested have been released.

Simic said that the Serb List had meetings with representatives of the international community and requested that those arrested be immediately released pending the outcome of the proceedings.

"Let the proceedings continue, and that will prove their innocence, because they are honorable Serbs and they are in custody solely because they are Serbs and because they are part of the Serbian education and health system," Simic said.

He added that those who targeted these people and wanted to attack the health and education system at any cost in this way they showed that they are serving the interests of Pristina, not of the Serb people.

"This is a politically motivated persecution of prominent persons, honorable, honest Serb men and women who did not bow their heads and did not want to serve Albin Kurti", emphasized Simic.

The Basic Court of the provisional institutions in Pristina on Thursday ordered the seven arrested directors of Serbian educational and healthcare institutions from the Gracanica municipality to be kept in detention for 30 day.

They were detained on Tuesday because they allegedly committed the crime of "violation the free choice of voters", and the prosecution of the Pristina institutions announced that they were detained based on the claims made by Minister of Communities and Return Nenad Rasic, who said they allegedly threatened voters ahead of the June 7 elections in Kosovo and Metohija.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Telegraf.rs

A fire broke out this morning in a Serbian Orthodox church in Botos near Zrenjanin, northern Serbia, which caused great material damage, but fortunately no one was injured.

Photographs appeared on social sites shortly after, and now videos as well, which clearly show the horrific fire that engulfed this Orthodox shrine.

The scenes made social media users initially react by leaving comments that expressed suspicion the footage was AI-generated.

In reality, nine firefighters with four trucks were dispatched to the scene.

The fire has been contained, and according to currently available information, no one was injured, but there significant material damage has been done.

The cause of the fire has not been revealed at this time.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/RADE PRELIC

Ruling SNS leader and adviser to the president of Serbia Milos Vucevic has held a meeting with Zhang Guozhi, member of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and deputy governor of Guangdong province.

"Today in Guangdong, we had an important and meaningful meeting with Mrs. Zhang Guozhi, a permanent member of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and deputy governor of Guangdong province. What everyone can see today has been confirmed - relations between Serbia and China have never been stronger, thanks to the ironclad friendship and mutual trust between presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Xi Jinping," Vucevic stated in a post on Instagram.

He pointed out that they discussed new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of economy, investments, infrastructure, industry, new technologies and agriculture, as well as strengthening academic and student exchanges.

"Serbia sees a sincere and reliable friend in China and will continue to build a partnership that brings new investments, development and a better standard of living for our citizens. The ironclad friendship between Serbia and China continues to strengthen," concluded the SNS leader.

(Telegraf.rs/Dnevnik.rs)

Photo montage: Telegraf.rs, Social networks

The investigation and finding of the body of Aleksandar Nesovic Baja has led to a shocking discovery - before concrete was poured over his remains, the killers tried to burn them!

After several days of extensive, around the clock search, the police and forensic experts on Thursday located the body in the village of Jarkovci, stuffed into a metal barrel with concrete poured over it. These are believed to be the remains of the brutally murdered Aleksandar Nesovic Baja.

Nesovic was mortally wounded in a bar in Senjak, Belgrade, 10 days ago, and more than 10 people have been arrested for the murder.

The investigation led to a shocking discovery - before the body was covered with concrete, the killers tried to burn it. The investigation thus far has shown that the body was partially burned.

The discovery marked a dramatic turn in the investigation, and this detail is being interpreted as sending an unequivocal and chilling mafia-like message.

What does it mean?

In criminal circles, when this level of violence is used and this method of "getting rid" of the body, it is interpreted as a demonstration of extreme power and brutal revenge. The attempt to burn and then seal the body the body with concrete could also mean that the perpetrators want to hide their tracks, make it difficult to identify the victim forensically and also conceal the cause of death.

Strong police forces, the head of the UKP and the prosecutor on duty were last evening at the scene, heading the investigation. Forensic experts immediately began the extremely difficult operation of opening the metal barrel, the weight of which confirmed the suspicion that it was filled with concrete.

The police blocked access to the entire location where the barrel was found, while forensic experts are gathering clues to determine all the circumstances related to this heinous crime.

The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade previously launched an investigation against ten people on suspicion that they participated in the aggravated murder of Aleksandar Nesovic.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug Live/Printscreen

President Aleksandar Vucic spoke today in Belgrade with Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachko about improving bilateral relations and the EU path of the two countries, while special emphasis was placed on strengthening economic cooperation and continuing negotiations on a free trade agreement.

"An open and substantive conversation with the deputy prime minister of the government of Ukraine about the improvement of bilateral relations, the European path of our countries and the further development of cooperation in areas of common interest. We put a special emphasis on the topics of strengthening economic cooperation, continuing negotiations on a free trade agreement, as well as opportunities for an additional increase in trade, investment and cooperation in the areas of trade, energy and infrastructure," Vucic stated in a post on Instagram after the meeting.

Vucic added that they agreed there is room for Serbia and Ukraine to significantly expand their partnership, especially through more concrete linking of economies and better utilization of existing potentials.

"During the meeting, we also exchanged opinions about European integration, bearing in mind that the European path is Serbia's strategic commitment and an important framework for reforms, stability and development. The memorandum of understanding in the field of European integration represents an additional step towards the exchange of experiences and stronger institutional cooperation," Vucic said.

According to the president they also discussed regional energy security, diversification of sources and routes of supply, as well as the importance of the Vertical Gas Corridor for the broader connection of our region with European energy flows.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Telegraf.rs

Telegraf.rs said learned that the police acted quickly and apprehended a suspect in a shooting that occurred today at 11:30 in New Belgrade, when well-known restaurateur G.S. was wounded.

As we have learned exclusively, M.D., a 24-year-old, ha s been arrested on suspiction of being the direct perpetrator of this brutal attack.

The police located him during Operation Vihor (Whirlwind), and now the details about the logistics behind what appears to have been an organized murder are surfacing.

Hitman hired for 100,000 euros?

As our portal has learned from a source close to the investigation, it is suspected that this was a professionally organized murder that failed by sheer chance.

Allegedly, the 24-year-old M.D. was paid 100,000 euros to carry it out. The fact that just a few days ago the suspect rented an apartment near the restaurant, from where he apparently observed the habits and movements of his target, also shows that the attack was planned in detail.

Cameras recorded everything, key evidence found

Although M.D. tried to hide his tracks, he made mistakes that quickly led the police to him!

Security cameras inside the restaurant clearly captured his face as he opened fire.

During a quick search of the area police operatives found the gun that was used to fire from, as well as a cap that the suspect was wearing during the attack in a bid to hide his face.

Four shots in front of shocked guests

An armed assailant ran into a packed restaurant and opened fire in the direction of the owner in front of shocked guests and employees. G.S. was hit by four bullets - three in the legs, and one in ​​the upper arm.

There was panic among those present, as the guests hid under the tables. The wounded businessman was urgently transported to the Emergency Center with serious injuries, having lost a lot of blood.

Investigation continues: Who gave the order?

At the scene of the event, where a Telegraf.rs was located, forensic experts were completing the investigation in the early afternoon. Given that the same restaurant was already the target of an attack three and a half months ago when an explosive device was thrown at it, the investigation is now aimed at finding the person who ordered M.D. to kill the victim and paid him a huge sum of money.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: N.S.

The well-known Belgrade Vinoteka store, located in Branicevska Street in Vracar, central Belgrade, has once again been targeted, Telegraf.rs has learned.

About two hours after midnight, unknown perpetrators broke the windows on this store.

According to initial information, no one was injured in the incident, and minor material damage was caused to the premises. The police conducted an investigation and should establish the motives behind this attack, as well as the identity of the attackers.

Second incident

This event caused additional concern for the residents in Branicevska Street, because this is not the first time that the store has been the target of an attack. Namely, at the beginning of February of this year, an explosive device was thrown at the same premises.

Although only minor damage was done during last night's incident, the chronology of events indicates that the popular location for some reason continuously attracts the attention of attackers.

The police are working intensively to shed light on all the circumstances, and it is assumed that the footage from surveillance cameras will be of great help in the investigation.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday spoke by phone with his Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and said that they had an open and good conversation about bilateral relations, EU paths of Serbia and Ukraine, and improving economic cooperation.

"An open and good conversation with President Zelenskyy about bilateral relations between our countries, the European path of Serbia and Ukraine, as well as opportunities for further improvement of economic cooperation and connections in areas of common interest, including discussions about a free trade agreement between Serbia and Ukraine," Vucic stated in a post on the Instagram account 'buducnostrbijeav'.

He added that the topic was also today's visit of Taras Kachka , who is Ukraine's deputy PM for European and Euro-Atlantic integration which, said Vucic, will represent an important step in further strengthening the cooperation between the two countries.

"We also discussed the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding and a responsible approach in solving problems, agreeing that peace and saving people's lives are values ​​that must be prioritized," said Vucic.

He added that they also confirmed commitment to further improve bilateral relations through open dialogue, mutual respect and strengthening cooperation in areas of common interest, with an emphasis on economic cooperation as a basis for long-term development and stability.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic was present at the airport when a plane yesterday evening brought the Cincture of the Theotokos (the Belt of the Holy Mother of God, Blessed Virgin Mary) from the Vatopedi Monastery on Mt. Athos to Belgrade.

The relic will be displayed during today's procession celebrating the patron saint day of the Serbian capital, Spasovdan, (the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, according to the Orthodox calendar), and then for nine days in the Temple of St. Sava in Belgrade.

"The honorable belt has arrived to the city of the Theotokos ( the Holy Mother of God.), the city of Despot Stefan, whose heavenly protector is the Theotokos. The belt of the Theotokos, which was previously taken outside Mt. Athos only to Russia, Cyprus, and Greece, is today in Serbia, which represents a great honor for our people, but also a great hope.

This Ascension Day will be special, because at the head of the procession will be the the Cincture of the Theotokos.

I thank the Vatopedi Monastery, our Mt. Athos monks, and His Holiness (Patriarch Porfirije) for making this great joy possible for the Serbian Orthodox people.

Rejoice, Serbian Orthodox folk. Long live Serbia!," Vucic wrote in a post on Instagram.

(Telegraf.rs)

Collage: Shutterstock

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday that the situation around the negotiations regarding the oil sector in Serbia and NIS (acquisition of majority stake in Petroleum Industry of Serbia, NIS) is not at all simple, stating that the talks with MOL "are not going great" - but that Serbia hopes that the US administration will show understanding when it comes to "possible sanctions".

According to Vucic, the world is in a serious economic crisis, which he says is much broader than the problems concerning the oil market and the energy crisis.

Speaking about the current negotiations (for MOL to acquire a majority stake in NIS) and the US-imposed deadline that expires on May 22, Vucic said that Serbia is "trying to find a sustainable solution" but that he is not sure of a positive outcome.

"For us, this thing with MOL is not going well, it is not going great. We will always leave the possibility for things to be done properly, but I am not too optimistic," Vucic said on Wednesday afternoon.

He added that he expects the US Treasury Department's OFAC to "understand Serbia's position".

"I hope that the American OFAC will understand Serbia's position and that Serbia will neither be guilty nor liable to be punished, and I ask them to understand that," said the president of Serbia.

He added that the situation is far more complicated than the public can see and that "serious political and business games are being played behind the scenes".

"If I were to say everything I know about all that happened over the last year, you could make a movie out of it, just realizing who is deceiving us, lying to us, the games that are being played, what is behind the scenes," said Vucic.

He then stressed that Serbia "will endire everything, ensure progress and fight for its citizens."

(Telegraf Biznis)

Photo: Tanjug Live/Printscreen

President Aleksandar Vucic announced this Wednesday that the Republic of Serbia will provide foreigners attending universities in our country with an opportunity to acquire Serbian citizenship, in order to make it easier for them to stay and work in Serbia after completing their studies.

"I will do my best to enable those who have studied for many years, especially those who have done that successfully, not only residence permits here in Serbia, but also citizenships, so they can live here. I will do my very best to make that their free choice. We have nothing against you (foreign students) returning to your countries, but Serbia is also your country as you have spent a significant amount of time here," Vucic said in response to students from African countries, who expressed their desire to stay in Serbia after completing their studies.

Vucic made the remarks during a ceremony to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the World in Serbia program, held at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade. The president noted that their knowledge is a resource that the state would also like to keep here.

"We want your knowledge, your work and your work ethic. We will solve this technically and legally," said Vucic and added that this will be implemented as soon as possible.

He advised the students from Africa and Asia to strive to work hard.

"In the world of successful people, we will soon be working an hour longer than we did before. In the previous decades, everyone around the world wanted to work less and earn more. It's a natural human desire, but we have to think about how to work more in order to be able to keep up with the most developed countries, how to raise productivity," said Vucic.

The World in Serbia program grants scholarships to foreign students wishing to learn the Serbian language and study at higher education institutions founded by the Republic of Serbia - namely, students from the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) member of observer countries.

The project has been implemented since the 2010/2011 school year with the aim of encouraging international cooperation and promotion of higher education in Serbia.

Thus far as part of the World in Serbia scholarship program, sholarships at state universities have been granted to over 2,000 students over the last 15 years, that cover preparatory Serbian language classes, and then accommodation and meals, monthly financial stipend, as well as health insurance in our country.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Serbian Orthodox Monastery Hilandar on St. Athos, Greece; Photo: Ivan Andrejic

Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) priest Radomir Marinkovic noted on Wednesday that the Cincture of the Theotokos (the Belt of Blessed Virgin Mary) will be in Belgrade for the capital's patron saint day, Spasovdan (the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, May 21 in the Orthodox calendar). It has been brought here from Mt. Athos in Greece.

Speaking for K1 earlier in the day, Father Marinkovic stressed that this is the only preserved relict of the Theotokos, and that it will be carried along the central streets of Belgrade this coming Thursday.

"The only preserved treasure from her life is kept in the Vatopedi Orthodox monastery on Mount Athos. After 650 years, our people and all our believers will have the opportunity to witness the relic that was once in custody of the Holy Prince Lazar (the ruler of the medieval Serbian Empire). A great joy and blessing for us," the priest said.

He added that the value of the relic is not in its material or artistic significance, but in the spiritual symbolism and faith that has been carried among Orthodox Christian believers for centuries.

"The Most Holy Mother of God left us a belt through the Thomas the Apostle to remind us of her for all time, but we believe that we also have spiritual connection with the Most Holy Mother of God herself and that the grace conveyed by that belt is great. There have been numerous testimonies," he said.

Father Marinkovic explained that all believers who attend liturgy tomorrow and bow down to the relic will receive consecrated ribbons prepared in the Vatopedi monastery.

He added that the faithful will have the opportunity to bow to the relic starting Wednesday night, as well as during the following days in the St. Sava Temple in Belgrade.

"A festive reception will take place starting at 17:00 (5 pm) , and the relic will be here tomorrow throughout the day. People will be able to worship both tonight and tomorrow. After that, it will be carried in a procession to the St. Sava Temple, where the people will have another nine days to worship," said the priest.

This strengthens the spiritual significance of this year's Spasovdan, and reminds of Belgrade's historical connection with the Theotokos, he noted.

"When Despot Stefan Lazarevic (the son of Prince Lazar) designated Belgrade as the Serbian capital, he first dedicated our city to the Theotokos, and took Spasovdan as the patron saint day (slava) of the city. So two great spiritual festivities are coinciding," Father Marinkovic explained.

The priest added that he hopes that the arrival of this great relic will contribute to the Serbian society overcoming polarization and returning to true values, stressing the importance of mutual respect and Christian fellowship.

At the same time Father Mladenovic noted that this polarization is not as great as some media outlets are trying to portray, especially social networks. People are not as angry as is the impression created there, he remarked.

"I would remind  Orthodox believers that the Savior came more than 2,000 years ago. Do not expect another one. If we are fighting for a more fair and better society, the way to do that is certainly not to clash with our brothers and sisters in Christ, but to follow Christ's commandments, which say that we not only love our friends, but also our enemies," the priest concluded.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Printscreen: Instagaram/ buducnostsrbijeav

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic spoke today in Belgrade with SNSD party leader Milorad Dodik about important topics for the citizens of Serbia and the Serb Republic (RS, Serb entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina).

The emphasis was on building a memorial center in Donja Gradina, near the site of the WW2 death camp Jasenovac in Croatia (that was operated by the Independent State of Croatia, NDH).

Vucic and Dodik announced that important decisions will be made on this matter in the coming days.

Vucic posted on Instagram that he had a very good meeting with Dodik that touched on "all important topics".

"A very good meeting with Milorad Dodik on all important topics for the citizens of Serbia and the RS. However, we dedicated most of our time to the construction of the Donja Gradina memorial center near Jasenovac. In the coming days, important decisions will be made on this issue," Vucic said in the post published on the "buducnostsrbijeav" account.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: RINA

A massive traffic jam has formed on the highway stretch between the towns of Novi Sad and Subotica in northern Serbia, between the interchanges Vrbas and Sirig.

There was a kilometers-long column of vehicles on Wednesday morning after a truck crashed and then overturned.

"There has been a collapse of traffic on this section, kilometers-long column of vehicles formed. However, now the traffic has started to move slowly, but there is still a massive traffic jam," one of the drivers stuck there told RINA around noon.

The police are diverting traffic as they investigate the scene.

As of the time of this reporting, is not known whether there are any casualties.

(Telegraf.rs)

Collage: Shutterstock

Jelica Putnikovic, the editor of the Energija Balkana portal, says that it is crucial for Serbia that the Pancevo refinery continues to operate and for the state to protect its long-term energy and economic interests.

She told Tanjug that it follows from the statements made by state officials that there are guarantees that the Pancevo refinery will continue working, but she warned that Serbia must define the conditions precisely, if the Hungarian MOL is to become a co-owner of NIS.

"The key is that the refinery must work, that the issue of exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in Serbia is regulated, because NIS has the exclusive right to both the existing rigs and any new ones. No other company can come to Serbia and look for oil and gas, and we know that they come to look for some other resources. Petrochemical production must also survive, Petrohemija (company)," she said and stressed that this is the basis of the country's energy and industrial stability.

According to Putnikovic, the possible shutting down of the Pancevo refinery would be the most unfavorable scenario for Serbia.

"The refinery must be continuously modernized and harmonized with European standards. If there is no investment and development, the refinery will effectively shut down on its own. That would be a serious blow to the Serbian economy," she said.

Putnikovic added that the negotiations regarding the possible sale of the Russian stake in NIS are being conducted at several levels, that is, between Russia, Hungary, Serbia, and the United States - and Serbia, she emphasized, does not have a key role in making the final decision.

"Serbia is not the one that makes the decision about who will buy the Russian stake in NIS. That is done by the Americans. The Russians and the Hungarians can come to an agreement, but without the consent of the United States, that deal cannot be realized," she said.

Putnikovic added that Serbia's biggest fear is the possibility that the potential new owner will change the business strategy and reduce the importance of the Pancevo refinery.

"There has been talk about building a pipeline between Hungarian and Serbian refineries. If the refinery in Pancevo is to work at full capacity, the question arises why such a pipeline would be a priority. This immediately raises fears that derivatives could be delivered from Hungary, as production in Serbia declines," she said.

A possible downgrade of the Pancevo refinery operations would have serious consequences for domestic petrochemical and other industries, and employment, Putnikovic said.

"Everything that is not produced in Serbia does not contribute to our GDP or strengthen the domestic economy. The refinery is not only a budget filler, but a driver of industrial development," said Putnikovic.

She also believes that Serbia must take care of the long-term energy strategy, especially in the circumstances of global geopolitical changes and energy transition.

"Serbia must provide enough electricity, gas and oil derivatives so that the economy can develop. Without secure energy stability, there is no serious economic development," said Putnikovic.

The Energija Balkana editor also said that, regarding the possibility of new US sanctions against NIS, citizens should not expect dramatic moves in the short term.

"I think there is no reason for fear. The Americans will probably prolong the decision again unless Serbia takes steps that would be against their interests. However, the problem is that the NIS cannot develop normally because of the sanctions," Putnikovic concluded.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Sava Radovanovic

Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic said on Tuesdaz that the arrest of the directors of healthcare and educational institutions of the Republic of Serbia in the area of ​​central Kosovo and Metohija by order of Allbin Kurti is an attempt by Pristina to exert unacceptable pressure and intimidation of Serb voters in those areas.

"Bringing in the directors of healthcare and educational institutions of the Republic of Serbia from the area of ​​central Kosovo and Metohija by order of Allbin Kurti, is an attempt by Pristina to exert unacceptable pressure and intimidate Serb voters in these areas, so that Kurti could promote his favorite, Nenad Rasic, in the upcoming elections," Petkovic said, according to astatement issued by the Office for Kosovo and Metohija.

Petkovic stressed that all international representatives, as well as the mediator in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, EU's Peter Sorensen, were immediately informed about the illegal and unfounded kidnapping of Serb healthcare and education workers, demanding that they get urgently involved in this matter.

He also pointed out that Kurti is once again causing crises and tensions and is running a political campaign targeting the Serb people, because he has nothing else to offer to his voters.

"His guy Rasic has now demonstrated how much of a servant he is to Pristina and Albin Kurti, his disgrace will remain written in the annals of dishonor, and he will answer for his misdeeds in line with the law together with all those helping him in this," said Petkovic.

Petkovic added that the Serb people will respond to Albin Kurti in the elections on June 7 with even greater unity and an even stronger Serb victory, stressing that our people have shown throughout history that we are the strongest when that is most needed.

On Tuesday, five Serbs were detained in the Serb enclave of Gracanica in Kosovo and Metohija on suspicion that they allegedly committed the crime of "violating the free choice of voters" - and the prosecution of the provisional Pristina institutions announced that they were detained after the claims made by Minister of Communities and Return Nenad Rasic, who said the men allegedly "threatened voters ahead of the June 7 elections".

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Pristina / Photo: Shutterstock

The Central Election Commission in Pristina announced that 131,800 requests, out of 142,803 it received from voters located outside of Kosovo and Metohija have been approved. This concerns early elections for the assembly of the provisional institutions.

10,907 requests have been rejected, while 96 were not considered, reports Pristina-based Koha.

Most voters located outside of Kosovo and Metohija wish to do so by mail.

The Commission announced earlier that voting by mail will begin on May 25 and last until June 6.

The preliminary total number of voters is 2,092,202, which is 15,912 more than were eligible in the elections held on December 28, 2025.

17 parties, three coalitions and one independent candidate will participate this time.

The Pristina assembly has 120 seats.

Early elections were called for June 7 after the assembly failed to elect the president of the provisional institutions within a deadline.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Shutterstock

The minister of internal affairs the provisional institutions in Pristina, Xhelal Svecla, has announced that he signed the decision on the formation of a working group that will analyze and propose modalities for the functioning of a gendarmerie unit, which he said would be a part of the ministry.

According to a Facebook post, the tasks of this so-called gendarmerie would be to strengthen the capacities for prevention, management and neutralization of threats to so-called Kosovo.

Svecla also stated that the unit would be deployed against terrorism, in managing high-risk riots and protecting critical infrastructure.

According to UN Security Council Resolution 1244, KFOR is the only armed force allowed in Kosovo and Metohija, and that document also provided for the demilitarization of the so-called KLA and other armed ethnic Albanian groups.

However, in 2009, Pristina formed the so-called Kosovo Security Force (KSF) from the Kosovo Protection Corps, i.e. the former KLA. In 2018, the assembly of the provisional institutions - without the presence of Serb representatives - adopted a law on the transformation of the so-called KSF into an army.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/

Ruling SNS leader and presidential advisor Milos Vucevic said today that the state must engage more firmly in legal confrontation with members of the police who provide security for members of criminal groups or have other links to them.

"It seems logical that police officers would not be spending their off-duty time providing security for members of criminal groups, that they would not work as security for nightclubs. As a state, we must go for clearer sanctions. If your police salary is low, get a different job. But first you must give back what the state has invested in you," Vucevic told TV Pink.

The state invests in the police so they can protect public order and peace and citizens, but there are irresponsible individuals in the force, Vucevic noted.

"The SNS has been trying for 14 years, by constantly urging not to tolerate such things, to keep things within the framework they must be in, to protect others. We understood the message of the president of Serbia and I hope that those who do it understood it as well. As a party, we are ready to review in detail the behavior of each individual. And all those who hide behind Aleksandar Vucic, while doing what they are doing, are undermining Aleksandar Vucic and their own country," Vucevic said.

He added that this must not be allowed, and when it happens, it must be sanctioned.

"We will accept criticism only from the citizens, not from those who behaved like bullies when they were in power. We won't listen to lectures in ethics from them. We understand what kind of changes the citizens want, not those offered by the 'blockaders', but to see proper behavior in their public servants," said the SNS leader.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Pancevo refinery; Photo : Emilija Jovanovic

Former Assistant Minister of Energy Rasa Kojicic has told RTS that Serbia has a good level of energy reserves, but that global supply disruptions can change that. Commenting on the negotiations with MOL (for acquisition of majority stake in NIS), he said that the Pancevo refinery is of great importance for Serbia because, unlike most countries in the region, Serbia is landlocked.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that he will hold meetings to discuss energy reserves as soon as he returns from Baku. Vucic said that unless reserves are secured now, "we won't have enought for the summer, let alone for the winter".

Rasa Kojicic told RTS this morning that energy reserves are currently good, but that we should constantly work on securing them, especially in light of the events in the Persian Gulf.

"In the previous period, a lot has been done to secure significant amounts of reserves, in order to be able to react in such situations," Kojicic said, recalling that 20 percent of the total amount of crude oil was supplied through the Strait of Hormuz before the war.

Serbia previously made sure to have enough energy stored in mandatory and operational reserves so that it could function in a stable manner.

"You could see that there have been no shortages at gas stations at any point, and no one (in Serbia) felt the effects of the global crisis," said Kojicic.

Price of oil sensitive to political statements

Still, problems may arise due to global supply disruptions.

"When the supply through the Persian Gulf is interrupted, everyone who gets their oil through there will look for other sources," said Kojicic.

The price of Brent oil was 112 dollars yesterday, while natural gas jumped to 600 dollars.

Kojicic stressed that after that news, US President Donald Trump declared that negotiations with Iran are continuing and that the ceasefire was extended - which then led to Brent immediately falling to $108 per barrel.

Banatski Dvor gas storage is filled

When it comes to natural gas, Serbia has a stable supply thanks to the agreement with Gazprom.

"We are safe there, and the storage capacity in Banatski Dvor is at its maximum, we have a storage facility in Hungary as well and a stable inflow via the Turkish (Stream) and then the Balkan Stream on a daily basis, plus the quantities from Azerbaijan," explained Kojicic.

Kojicic added that work is ongoing on several projects that will allow Serbia to become a hub in this part of the world.

"We are working on an interconnection with Romania, an interconnection with North Macedonia in order to link with Greece, an oil pipeline to Hungary is under construction. When all those investments are finished, we will become a hub for gas supply and some other markets," said Kojicic.

Why is Pancevo refinery so important

Asked if the solution to the issue of NIS is even more important now because of the global events, Kojicic explained that NIS is important from the point of view of security of supply of all kinds of derivatives and energy products obtained from crude oil.

On the other hand, 13,000 people are employed by NIS, and then there are those who who work for companies that cooperate with NIS.

This former government official pointed out that the refinery, which is the "red line" when it comes to NIS sale negotiations, is important for supplying our market.

"They say we can get (sufficient) supplies without the refinery - we cannot. If the daily quantities of derivatives that are needed for normal functioning are calculated, it's physically and logistically impossible to deliver them either via the Danube, the railway, or tanker trucks. Regional countries do not have their refineries but all of them have access to the sea, and large tankers bring in oil," explained Kojicic.

(Telegraf Biznis/RTS)

Aleksandar Vulin; Handout photo

"Anyone who has broken the law should be held accountable. The investigation is ongoing and we are yet to find out what actually happened and what role of each of those who participated in (the case) had, and which crime they committed," the leader of the Movement of Socialists, Aleksandar Vulin, told TV B92, when asked to comment on the latest arrests in Belgrade, including members of the police, related to a potential murder of a member of a drug clan.

"Does the arrest of (now former Belgrade police chief) Veselin Milic mean that nobody's shielded (by the state), or as the opposition claims, that the government has criminalized the MUP (Interior Ministry)," Vulin asked, and added that every time a member of the police is arrested, the opposition says that is either a deal, or a showdown between criminals.

"One shouldn't pay attention to that. One should pay attention to the fact that the law is being enforced unconditionally and of course nobody's above it. The fact, which we all know, is that at that moment (the shooting of Aleksandar Nesovic Baja) Veselin Milic found himself in a place where he should not have been or was not allowed to be. We will see what his role was, what he did specifically. I've never been a fan of blanket condemnations which is why I want to learn what happened and I will present my stance accordingly," Vulin said.

Vulin added that when he served as interior minister he worked with Veselin Milic and that the police achieved some of the most significant results in the history of the MUP during that time.

"During that time, we broke up several of the most important criminal gangs, known for their brutality, and that was not some kind of a showdown within the authorities, nor a showdown between criminal clans, it was a showdown between the MUP, the Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime and the worst drug clans in this country. Veselin Milic was one of those who played a very important role in this along with BIA, SBPOK, UKP. If he is responsible for something, he will be held accountable," Vulin said.

Asked about the announced new law that would prevent cooperation between the police and criminals, Vulin said that legal mechanisms already exist, but that it is always good to pass new laws and reminded that one of the first measures he took when he was appointed as interior minister was a dispatch sent to all organizational units of the MUP that reminded the members of the ministry of the already existing obligation for every police officer to report any contact with criminals to their immediate superior.

"Such things must be reported. And it was done for a clear reason, so that we would have a basis to discipline 'dirty' police officers who provide security for criminals, who work in night clubs, who use the badge and weapons in unlawful ways, and to be able to fire them. During the time I served as minister, 365 members of the police were arrested. Of these, 113 had criminal complaints filed against them, 44 senior officers were arrested, including three strategic officers. Criminal or disciplinary proceedings were initiated against them, and some were dismissed from service," Vulin said and stressed that the fight against this evil is always ongoing and never ends, not only in Serbia but throughout the world.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/MSP

State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nevena Jovanovic spoke on Monday in Belgrade with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary for Partnerships Kevin Hamilton about cooperation between Serbia and the military alliance.

This is implemented within the framework of the Partnership for Peace program, in line with Serbia's military neutrality, in order to achieve the common interest of preserving peace and stability in the region.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jovanovic stressed that it is extremely important for Serbia that the deployment of international security forces continues in Kosovo and Metohija continues in an undiminished scope and capacity.

She conveyed Belgrade's expectation that the KFOR mission will maintain a status-neutral position and, in line with its mandate, act proactively in order to provide security and protect the Serbs in that area.

The interlocutors agreed about the importance of a joint Serbia-NATO military exercise, which is being held in Serbia May 11-23.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Shutterstock

Economist Milan Beslac said today that in negotiations with MOL about the acquisition of the Russian share in the Petroleum Industry of Serbia, NIS, Serbia is looking for the minimum and what is logical, which is that the Pancevo refinery continues to operate.

Beslac said that Serbia must not give up on the demand that the refinery continues to work and produce all the products that it has produced so far, because this is of strategic importance for the country.

Commenting on the fact that certain media are reporting unofficial information about several more interested buyers having appeared just a few days before the OFAC deadline for negotiations on the sale of NIS, Beslac told Tanjug that one of the reasons why these offers are arriving now is that there is no final agreement between Gazprom and MOL four days before the deadline for submitting the purchase agreement, and there has not even been an announcement that the negotiations are in the final phase.

Although these four days until May 22 should be used only to redefine the text and correct typographical errors, there is still only the announcement that negotiations are underway and that no agreement has been reached.

"These offers are arriving in order to further delay the talks between MOL and Gazprom Neft and to challenge what has already been agreed. I don't think this is happening by chance, but that it's completely intentional. If I were in Gazprom Neft's place, I would perceive these offers as frivolous, because if some people were serious about buying NIS, they have had a year to submit their offer. Even if those offers were serious and well-intentioned, there is no time to conclude the contract by May 22," he said.

Asked who would benefit the most geopolitically if MOL were to give up on acquiring NIS, Beslac said that it would be Russia, i.e., Gazprom Neft, because then it would be logical to prolong the negotiation process.

According to him, Moscow would get a chance to reach an agreement with Ukraine and be freed from sanctions, which would make it unnecessary to sell its stake in NIS.

Beslac pointed out that Serbia could also benefit by using its right of first refusal, unless it has waved it - and in some way agree with the Russians to take over their share in NIS, and assessed that this would be the best option for Serbia.

According to him, if there were to be a takeover by Serbia, it could not be a hostile takeover.

Asked what it would mean specifically if MOL does not accept the conditions set by Serbia, Beslac said that what the state has been negotiating with MOL for the past few weeks is Serbia's best intention to maintain as much energy stability as possible in the country and its surroundings, where NIS has its gas stations.

Asked how likely it is that a full agreement will be reached by May 22, Beslac assessed that it will not be finalized by May 22 and that the US Treasury Department's OFAC will extend that deadline if necessary.

"We still have an operational license for NIS until June 16, and that gives us enough time to think about whether we have enough opportunities to use the right of first refusal. If OFAC does not extend the deadline for negotiations, then Serbia must make unpopular moves in a decent way, so that it does not end up on the list of countries hostile to Russia," he said.

(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)

Photo: YouTube/Tanjug live

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on Monday spoke from Baku, where he is participating in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13).

Vucic first expressed his gratitude for the exceptional welcome he received in Baku and Azerbaijan, and said that he wanted to congratulate Azerbaijan on the great organization of this forum. He also pointed to the extraordinary successes and progress made by Azerbaijan and said this is not only thanks to the diligence and dedicated work, but also to the passion exhibited by President Aliyev.

"I discussed the further strengthening of relations between Serbia and Slovakia with (Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment) Tomas Tarab, as well as the possibilities for improving cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, environmental protection, energy and sustainable urban development. I reiterated my gratitude to Slovakia for its principled support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, as well as for its continued support for our country's EU path. I also used the opportunity to invite Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit Serbia. I am convinced that in the coming period we will further strengthen our political and economic ties and implement important joint projects," President Vucic said after his meeting with Minister Tarab.

Vucic also announced that an innovative platform with creative and innovative solutions for the problems faced by cities will be presented at the EXPO 2027 specialized exhibition in Belgrade.

"As the hosts of EXPO 2027, we will provide a platform for over 140 countries that will present their creative and innovative solutions to the world, from music and sports. At the same time, we are also proud of the fact that EXPO 2027 in Belgrade will provide an opportunity to present concrete innovative solutions that can help solve traffic problems, improve mobility and increase the quality of life of citizens, including new generations of electric planes and smart transport systems," Vucic told the forum.

"We are gathered here in stunning Azerbaijan, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, to talk about the challenges and great opportunities concerning urbanization. This 13th World Urban Forum, whose central theme is housing, safe and resilient cities, has gathered various officials, representatives of local governments, non-governmental organizations, scientific communities, and the interests of the global community for the future of cities and the challenges they face are evident and clear," said Vucic.

He pointed out that cities are increasingly the center of economic growth, production, innovation, education, learning, digitization and artificial intelligence.

"Without cities and urban spaces, the world on our planet would be unimaginable, but at the same time, cities are the embodiment of globalization and face today's civilization's numerous probelsm," said Vucic, and added that this includes overpopulation, inadequate housing and uncontrolled pollution.

Earlier in the day, Vucic was welcomed to the forum by the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anaclaudia Rossbach.

"I am proud to represent Serbia at the World Urban Forum, one of the most important global gatherings dedicated to the future of cities, sustainable development and improving the quality of life of citizens. It is of great importance for us to be a part of the conversation about modern solutions in the field of infrastructure, energy, traffic and smart urban development, because only through serious planning and responsible politics can we continue to build a modern and successful country," Vucic wrote in a post on Instagram, and concluded:

"During the forum, I will have numerous meetings with world officials, representatives of international organizations and companies, with the aim of securing new investments, partnerships and additional opportunities for progress and an even better future for Serbia."

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic has arrived at the Congress Center in Baku, where the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) will begin today, and was welcomed by the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anaclaudia Rossbach.

"I am proud to represent Serbia at the World Urban Forum, one of the most important global gatherings dedicated to the future of cities, sustainable development and improving the quality of life of citizens. It is of great importance for us to be a part of the conversation about modern solutions in the field of infrastructure, energy, traffic and smart urban development, because only through serious planning and responsible politics can we continue to build a modern and successful country. During the forum, I will have numerous meetings with world officials, representatives of international organizations and companies, with the aim of securing new investments, partnerships and additional opportunities for progress and an even better future for Serbia," the president wrote on Instagram.

After the opening ceremony, Vucic will hear the speeches of the host, top UN officials, representatives of prominent global companies, as well as the world's leading civil society actors in the field of sustainable development.

On the sidelines of the meeting, President Vucic is expected to have a series of meetings and talks with numerous officials.

This year's gathering brings together more than 41,000 participants from 180 countries, including heads of state and government, ministers, mayors, business leaders, representatives of academia and civil society.

President Vucic arrived in Baku yesterday, where he met with President Aliyev, and then with representatives of some of the largest Azerbaijani companies.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Shkumbin Saneja/Wikipedia

The minister of defense of the provisional institutions in Pristina in the technical mandate, Ejup Maqedonci, has said that work has begun near Djakovica to build the first ammunition factory in so-called Kosovo.

After visiting the construction site in Jahoc, near Djakovica, along with the outgoing prime minister of the provisional institutions, Albin Kurti, Maqedonci said that the factory will produce 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm caliber ammunition.

According to Maqedonci's Facebook post, the production of machines, laboratories and other technical equipment for the factory near Djakovica is being completed in Turkey.

Last October, an agreement was signed between the provisional institutions in Pristina and the Turkish state company Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (Makine ve Kimya Endustrisi) to build this factory. It was stated at the time that the production capacity will be 20 million bullets per year.

In recent years, Pristina has intensified acquisition of weapons, and on May 6, an agreement was signed with Turkey on military-financial cooperation, allowing Turkey to provide Pristina with slightly less than 4 million euros for the so-called Kosovo Security Forces (KSF).

Pristina has already acquired TB2 Bayraktar and Skydagger drones from Turkey, as well as American Puma drones.

Last December, Pristina announced that it was buying US mobile artillery systems HUMVEE Hawkeye 105mm Mobile Howitzer (MHS), and at the end of November that the process of acquiring Black Hawk helicopters from the US was underway.

In addition, Pristina in March 2025 signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense with Croatia and Albania.

According to UN Security Council Resolution 1244, KFOR is the only armed force allowed in Kosovo and Metohija, and that document also provided for the demilitarization of the so-called KLA and other armed ethnic Albanian groups.

However, in 2009, Pristina formed the so-called Kosovo Security Force (KSF) from the Kosovo Protection Corps, i.e. the former KLA. In 2018, the assembly of the provisional institutions - without the presence of Serb representatives - adopted a law on the transformation of the so-called KSF into an army.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Printscreen: RTS

The investigation of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade launched against 10 persons suspected of involvement in an aggravated murder and other criminal offenses, is meant to determine whether they are criminally responsible.

To that end, the prosecutor's office, in cooperation with the police, is collecting all the necessary information from persons who may have certain knowledge regarding this criminal event.

For this reason, the former head of the Criminal Investigations Police Department (UKP) N.DJ. gave a statement yesterday, in his capacity as a private citizen, in order to collect the necessary information.

Unofficially, this is former head of UKP Nemanja Djuran.

The Prosecutor's Office (VJT) is warning that no one outside of the competent authorities - VJT in Belgrade and, on its approval, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP), is authorized to present information to the public in connection with the ongoing investigation.

VJT in Belgrade is once again appealing on the media not to publish unverified and inaccurate information, because the prosecution and the police will be informing the public in a timely manner about the progress in this case.

The investigation concerns the case of the shooting of Aleksandar Nesovic in a Belgrade restaurant.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: FOTO TANJUG/ AMIR HAMZAGIC

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday in Baku that he and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met and discussed geopolitical circumstances, including the situation in Iran, and pointed out that they also spoke about joint business opportunities with the US.

After the meeting with Aliyev, and with representatives of Azerbaijani companies in Baku, Vucic said that he learned something new from the Azerbaijani president about geopolitical events that he did not know until now and that he is always ready to learn something new from people whom he greatly appreciates and from whom there is something to learn.

"Ilham Aliyev is one of the people from whom you can always learn something. I carefully listened to his analysis of the situation in and around Iran and his overall analysis of the situation both here in the region and around the world. We agree on many things, but you always hear some new details, you always understand the world better when you hear from those at the source," said Vucic.

He added that Azerbaijan is close to the northwestern part of Iran and that in Azerbaijan, he feels everything that is happening in that region, recalling that some bombs fell on the Azerbaijani enclave of Nakhichevan.

"So we found out the details and, I would say, looked at the perspective of a possible flare up of the conflict, or of lasting peace," Vucic said.

The president added that he spoke with Aliyev about what kind of joint relations the two countries can build with respect to certain actors.

"Especially how we can jointly create some business opportunities with the US, with companies from the US, because Azerbaijan has good relations with Israel as well as we do. We are observing and want to see some projects that we can do jointly with the Americans in the future, so I asked President Aliyev about that and got a lot more information," said Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

During his recent visit to Comtrade’s headquarters, Paolo Zampolli spoke exclusively with the Comtrade Podcast and Telegraf about the deal that made the front page of the Financial Times - a $20 billion Boeing agreement, sealed in just 20 minutes.

On this achievement, Zampolli is straightforward: it is only the beginning.

“The Financial Times, it was a very catchy article. Twenty billion, twenty minutes, which became kind of like a slogan. I went to Uzbekistan and managed to convince the government to buy twenty billion dollars of Boeing planes, Boeing 787s, mostly, in twenty minutes. And that’s just the beginning. It might be also much more there. And I actually became the second best salesperson of Boeing after the President of the United States of America,” Zampolli said, adding that he is a great aviation enthusiast.

Beyond aviation, Zampolli is active in the world of sport, believing it unites nations and promotes fair competition. He attended the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia in Tashkent in January, and remains particularly engaged in football - a topic he also touched on with Telegraf.

“As you know, my president brought FIFA to the United States, and the Olympics. The president also gave me the Trump Kennedy Center for the second term, which is one of the most prestigious things we have in Washington. I organized the FIFA draw there with Gianni Infantino, and we have been working together on the upcoming World Cup, which is going to be a huge success,” Zampolli said.

He also offered a glimpse into his future plans as US Special Envoy for Global Partnerships.

“My title is Special Envoy for Global Partnerships. I push and promote the America First agenda - the agenda of the President and the Secretary of State. It is very broad, many many things. Besides Boeing, I am in charge of sports diplomacy, which is a fantastic thing. Our Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, really cares about it. And it is really about putting people together, the values of America, connecting all governments, all people - sport is for all. I was also in Tashkent for the election of Sheikh Joaan, and I attended the Games with the Secretary of State in Milan for Cortina. And now I am off to Africa - I will be the David Livingston of Africa,” Zampolli said, also responding to reports in The Times of London suggesting he intended to rename Mount Kilimanjaro - no small mountain, as he was quick to point out. When asked to reveal the new name, Zampolli did not hesitate: “It is going to be called Mount Trump.”

As Special Envoy of the President of the United States, Paolo Zampolli lives his life very much in the public eye - professionally and personally. So we asked him the question that naturally follows: how does he balance it all? Watch the full conversation in the exclusive video interview below.

(Telegraf.rs)

A particularly important aspect in this context is the ongoing reconstruction and restoration process in Karabakh and East Zangezur. Projects implemented in the liberated territories have become a key example of Azerbaijan’s new urbandevelopment strategy. The concepts of “Smart city” and “Smart village,” applied in Aghdam, Fuzuli, Shusha, Zangilan, and other areas, are based on green energy principles, digital governance, modern transport infrastructure, andenvironmental balance. At the same time, special attention is given to preserving national architectural elements, historical heritage, and cultural memory.

Through this experience, Azerbaijan seeks to demonstrate to the world that post- conflict urban reconstruction is not only a construction process, but also a process of social recovery and national revival.At the center of Azerbaijan’s urban development model is the human being. The main objective of modern urban policy is not only the construction of new buildings and roads, but also the creation of a safe, accessible, and sociallyinclusive living environment. Ensuring a comfortable urban space for children the elderly, persons with disabilities, and socially vulnerable groups is one of the key priorities of the country’s urban development strategy.

Baku has long confirmed its status as a successful host of major international events.

Formula 1 races, international humanitarian forums, the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, and COP29 have all demonstrated Azerbaijan’s growing global role. WUF13 holds a special place in this sequence, as it presents to theworld not only Azerbaijan’s organizational capacity, but also its vision of the cities of the future.

Of particular note is the participation of a number of friendly countries in the forum, including Serbia, which reflects the steadily developing partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia. In recent years, relations between the twocountries have evolved beyond political dialogue into practical cooperation in areas such as urban development, infrastructure modernization, architecture, and sustainable regional planning. This cooperation is increasingly reflected in the exchange of expertise between relevant institutions, dialogue on smart city approaches, and growing interest in urban development best practices.

Serbia, as a friendly partner country, has also been actively advancing its own urban transformation agenda, particularly through the modernization of ke urban centers such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, with a focus on improvinginfrastructure, mobility, and quality of urban life. Within this framework, participation in WUF13 provides an important opportunity to further deepen cooperation and align strategic approaches to sustainable urban developmentbetween Baku and Belgrade.

As two countries that emphasize the balance between preserving historical heritage and implementing modern urban solutions, Azerbaijan and Serbia are gradually building a more structured foundation for long-term cooperation in the field of urban development, opening new prospects for joint initiatives in this area.

The main message of the forum in Baku is clear: the cities of the future must be built not only on technology, but also on the principles of humanism, culture, and social justice. And today, Azerbaijan is participating in these global discussions not merely as a participant, but as a country presenting its own development model to the world.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated today that Pristina's path to membership in the European Union directly depends on success in the dialogue with Belgrade and implementation of reforms.

After meeting with Prime Minister of the provisional institutions in the technical mandate Albin Kurti, she said that the process of accession is not determined by specific deadlines, but by the results achieved by the candidates.

"The more successful Kosovo is in implementing reforms and the more successful it is in the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue, the greater the chances that we can start negotiations. So this is the political part," Kos said, according to Pristina-based Koha.

The EU commissioner asked political actors in Pristina to find solutions to achieve institutional stability.

Kurti told a joint press conference that the European Union should move towards granting candidate status to Pristina and opening membership negotiations, claiming that the renewed momentum of EU enlargement should result in "the well-deserved progress of Kosovo".

He believes that Pristina needs the recognition of the European Union for the progress achieved in terms of "democracy, economy and the rule of law".

Marta Kos is in Pristina today, her first visit since she was appointed as EU Commissioner for Enlargement in late 2024.

Kos also met with the acting president of the provisional institutions, Albulena Haxhiu, and representatives of civil society.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo collage: Shutterstock

MOL Group Chief Strategic Officer Gyorgy Bacsa says that negotiations on the acquisition of the Russian stake in NIS (Petroleum Industry of Serbia) are still ongoing and that MOL Group is interested in reaching a good agreement.

Gyorgy Bacsa said this at a panel dedicated to energy issues at the Business Summit in Belgrade, adding that several teams are negotiating on multiple levels regarding the acquisition and sale of a majority stake in NIS.

Bacsa explained that negotiations are taking place at three levels: with the seller, with the Government of Serbia, and with external regulators from the US and the EU.

He stated that the challenge is to comply with the sanctions imposed by external regulators (OFAC), but added that the negotiations will continue and progress. When asked about the "percentage" of the deal that has been agreed upon, Bacsa did not wish to specify, but said that all regulatory requirements must be respected.

Bacsa added that, given that the extension of the license granted by OFAC expires in seven days, the US practice has shown that, if there is progress in the negotiations, the deadline can be expected to be extended.

(Telegraf Biznis/RTS)

MUP logo; Photo: MUP

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) is informing the public that Police Colonel Veselin Milic is no longer the head of the Police Department for the City of Belgrade.

Until the appointment of a new head of the Police Administration for the City of Belgrade, these duties will be performed by the current deputy, Police Colonel Dejan Bojovic, the MUP said.

(Telegraf.rs)

Veselin Milic; Photo: MUP RS

As part of an investigation to shed light on the circumstances under which Aleksandar Nesovic Baja disappeared on May 12, 2026, the head of the Police Department for the City of Belgrade, V.M., has been arrested.

This was ordered by the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, and carried out by members of the Criminal Police Directorate (UKP), the Crime Suppression Service and the Service for the Fight against Organized Crime of the Interior Ministry (MUP) of the Republic of Serbia.

The person identified by his initials in the official statement is Belgrade police chief Veselin Milic.

Veselin Milic; Photo: MUP RS

The statement aded that V.M. will spend up to 48 hours in police custody before he is brought before a prosecutor.

Milic is suspected of committing the criminal acts of failure to report a criminal act and a perpetrator, and of aiding a perpetrator after the commission of a criminal act.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: /ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos is visiting in Pristina today, where she will meet with representatives of the provisional institutions.

The European Commission previously announced that Marta Kos will meet with acting the president of the provisional institutions, Albulena Haxhiu, and the outgoing prime minister of the provisional institutions, Albin Kurti, while the topic of the conversations will be the need for swift reforms in order to speed up Pristina's path towards European integration.

The EU Commissioner for Enlargement will also meet with representatives of civil society.

Marta Kos is arriving in Pristina three weeks before early elections for the assembly of the provisional institutions, which will be held on June 7. These elections were called after the assembly failed to elect the president of the provisional institutions.

Kos is coming to Pristina for the first time since she took office at the end of 2024.

Kos was supposed to visit Pristina in March, but she canceled her trip after the assembly of the provisional institutions was dissolved.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/AP

The Hague Mechanism has rejected the defense's request that General Ratko Mladic be released for treatment in Serbia due to his serious health condition, his son, Darko Mladic, said on Thursday.

"For the umpteenth time, the Hague tribunal has shown that it does politics, not justice and law. Unfortunately, we were rejected," Darko Mladic said in a statement to the Srna agency.

According to him, Mechanism's reasoning is that Mladic has the best possible doctors who provide him with the best possible care, and these are the doctors who treated him for urinary tract infections when he had a stroke.

"These are the doctors who failed to detect a stroke, before he had another. The level of cynicism at the Hague tribunal has become incredible," said Darko Mladic.

General Ratko Mladic had a stroke on April 10 and his health condition further deteriorated since, as he suffers from serious neurological, cardiovascular and nephrological problems.

On May 2, he was transferred from the detention center to a civil hospital in The Hague because of a suspected stroke. Since the doctors did not confirm at the time that the general had suffered a stroke, he was returned to the detention hospital.

Since 2024, General Mladic has been in the detention hospital in The Hague, where he is receiving palliative care. The Mechanism has repeatedly rejected requests to temporarily release him for treatment in Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Printscreen: TanjugLIve

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said today that he received an invitation to participate in what he said would be a "glamorous celebration" on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the secession of Montenegro from Serbia, butstressed that he will not accept the invitation because he loves his country.

"I received an invitation to participate in the glamorous celebration of secession from my Serbia. Of course, I will not participate in that. I love Serbia more than anything in the world and to celebrate something like that would be disgraceful, a spit in the face of myself and my people. And let them celebrate whatever they want," Vucic said, responding to a journalist asking about the 20 years of Montenegro's independence, and the position of the Serb people in Montenegro.

Vucic noted it is Montenegro's right to organize celebrations, bring in global stars and the rest of it.

"I just want the citizens of Serbia to know one thing - that they celebrate secession from us, from Serbia, so glamorously and with such joy. I have nothing more to add on that issue. I would have a lot to say about the incompetence of our leadership from that period, but they made that choice. I see that they (Montenegro) are very happy to have left the Serbs and Serbia. I wish them success and luck," added Vucic.

When it comes to the position of Serbs in Montenegro, the president said that it is very strange that the Serbs do not have the right to use Serbian as an official language, despite the fact it is the dominant language in Montenegro, as well as that Europe is not reacting to that, yet insists on every other thing.

"I'm sure that the majority of Serbs (in Montenegro) want the closest relations with Serbia, and you could have heard the other ones just yesterday justifying NATO's aggression against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SRJ, Serbia and Montenegro), all in a twisted, mumbled manner. Let them continue with their endevour, I wish them all the luck in the world," said Vucic.

He stressed that Serbia needs to move forward, to have the highest growth rate, to achieve great feats and great results in terms of the economy.

"And I am sure that not only Serbs, but also other citizens of Montenegro will always feel they are in a brotherly country when they are in Serbia," said President Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)