Serbia and Croatia Escalate Diplomatic Tensions Over 'Russian Satellite' Comment

Serbia sends a protest note to Croatia following remarks by Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, who labeled Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić as a Russian 'satellite' in the Balkans.

Serbia's protest note comes after Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman's televised comments calling Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić a Russian 'satellite', sparking the latest spat between the two nations.
Vučić responds with indignation, rejecting the notion of being anyone's 'satellite' or 'servant', and criticizes Grlić Radman for interfering in Serbia's internal affairs.
Croatia defends its minister's statements, emphasizing Serbia's need to align with EU policies, especially concerning the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The diplomatic dispute highlights ongoing tensions in the Balkans, with both countries involved in a mini arms race that could escalate regional tensions.
Analysts view the incident as reflective of the broader struggle for influence in the Balkans between the West and Russia, with Serbia's EU aspirations and close ties to Moscow at the center of the controversy.