Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Monday accused Croatia of working together with Kosovo and Albania to “destroy” Serbia and of posing a military threat, announcing that the government he controls will continue to strengthen Serbia’s military capabilities.
According to Croatian media, Vučić made these remarks in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he traveled to attend the opening of a new hospital. However, in his address on that occasion, he spoke far less about healthcare.
As reported by Index.hr, Vučić focused instead on geostrategic analyses, predicting the onset of “difficult times,” including new risks of war in Southeast Europe.
The Croatian outlet further noted that he explicitly confirmed his particular concern was Croatia—specifically its defense cooperation with Kosovo and Albania.
He stated that it should be clear to everyone that this “is not an alliance against Austria,” adding that he therefore feels obliged to explain this to the Serbian public.
“In Belgrade, we understand very well the new military alliance formed between Zagreb, Pristina, and Tirana. It was not created against anyone else, but against the Serbian people,” Vučić was quoted as saying to the crowd, according to Telegrafi.
He also said that a significant strengthening of Serbia’s military forces is currently underway.
“We are second in the world in terms of advancing our military capabilities, and within two years we will double our military capacities,” Vučić announced.
Vučić further accused Croatia of attempting to influence political processes in Montenegro, which he views as part of a broader plot against Serbia and the Serbian people.
“Zagreb’s attempt to place Podgorica under its control and to draw everyone into anti-Serbian politics is clear and visible to us,” he said.
He also linked his claims to the protests that lasted throughout the past year in Serbia.
“Those who think we are naive and believe they can do things as in 1941 and many times throughout history should know this: you did everything last year to remove me from power, with a billion euros invested, and you failed… I am not Slobodan Milošević—neither naive nor foolish enough to believe you,” the Serbian president said, among other remarks.
