Analyst: No Damage Expected in Relations With Russia Over Weapons Convoy

Aleksandar Radic (FOTO: PrtScr N1)

Military analyst Aleksandar Radic assessed on April 28 that there was nothing legally wrong with Serbia allowing a railroad transport with non-combat vehicles for Ukraine to cross its territory, and that he did not expect this to result in any damage to relations with Russia.

In a statement to BETA, Radic said that the procedure for such transports was clear and included the Interior Ministry, because such cargo could pose a risk to third parties in case of an accident, the Defense Ministry and the Foreign Ministry, whose task is to assess whether such transports could potentially harm state interests.

"Assessments are always made about what could happen if someone is upset. On the other hand, considering that huge amounts of weapons were being shipped to Ukraine all over Europe, with around 40 countries being involved, it would be ungentlemanly to impose bans on assets that have no combat purpose. Especially bearing in mind that a permit was obtained in April for a military transport from China (FK-3 missile system) for the Army of Serbia," he stated.

No major political damage is expected in relations with Russia. That convoy also passed through Hungary, which has demonstrated great readiness to cooperate with Russia and which has openly refused to provide military assistance to Ukraine. That transit will stay below the political radar and that issue does not share the gravity of the issues of Kosovo and Metohija, Donbas, Crimea, Abkhazia, Ossetia and others, Radic has stated.