Vucic: U.S. Sanctions on Vulin Due to His Stance on Russia

Aleksandar Vucic , Aleksandar Vulin, Belgrade, September 13th 2018.(BETAPHOTO/MILOS MISKOV/MO)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated on July 12 that the United States did not introduce sanctions on Security and Information Agency (BIA) Director Aleksandar Vulin over corruption or criminal activity, but because of Vulin’s stance on Russia.

“Cocaine was found in the White House, not Vulin’s office. [The U.S. has] plenty to investigate already and, of course, conducting an investigation is paramount,” Vucic said when asked whether Vulin will retain his post and whether the authorities will investigate the allegations made against him.

While surveying the construction of the Pozarevac-Golubac highway, Vucic explained that he would address the sanctions against Vulin and Serbia’s position on the matter “thoroughly and in detail” on July 13.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on July 11 that it introduced sanctions against Security Information Agency Director Aleksandar Vulin for his involvement in an arms and narcotics trafficking ring.

Vulin is the president of the Movement of Socialists, a coalition partner of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, and took over the Security and Information Agency in December 2022. The position is appointed by the Cabinet.