Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić used the Munich Security Conference to present himself as a global strategist, despite criticism at home that he is unable to effectively govern even within Serbia.
Vučić claimed his main takeaway from the conference is that “everyone says they want peace, but everyone actually wants the defeat of the other side.” Critics have noted the paradox of this statement, comparing it to Vučić’s public advocacy for democracy in Serbia while consolidating autocratic power.
In remarks interpreted as sympathetic to Russia, Vučić criticized European countries for allegedly ignoring Ukrainian casualties and the scale of Western military aid to Ukraine, questioning whether Europe truly understands the costs and limits of the conflict. He added that he hopes a wider war does not occur, though observers note that domestic policies, including heavy police crackdowns on peaceful protesters, undermine his credibility as a promoter of peace.
Vučić also highlighted the deepening rift between the U.S. and EU, but framed regional military developments in alarmist terms, claiming that the Croatia–Albania–Kosovo defense cooperation is “exclusively directed against Serbia”, warning that neutral Serbia could be “overrun” by unspecified powers.
In classic populist fashion, Vučić proposed a solution for the threat he presented, noting that Serbia had received authorization from a key country to import advanced missile systems and “Iron Dome”-style defensive technologies. He emphasized that Serbia will continue to arm itself, portraying himself as indispensable to national security.
Analysts argue that Vučić’s statements at Munich blend geopolitical commentary with domestic political messaging, reinforcing his image as a defender of Serbia while exaggerating external threats for internal political gain.
