Ivica Dacic has been the deputy prime minister of Serbia since 2022 and a minister of internal affairs since 2024. He was elected as the president of the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) in 2006. Ivica Dacic is also known to maintain close relationships with Russia. Pro-Russian tendencies of Ivica Dacic are often seen through many statements and actions.
Experts explain that Serbia’s refusal to put sanctions on Russia also represents the policy of Dacic, aligning with other pro-Russian policies in the government of Serbia. Serbia, notwithstanding its aspiring status as an EU member country, intends to be the only European country that did not join its campaign in imposing sanctions against Russia for its war against Ukraine, as did Belarus.
Dacic often holds talks with Russian senior officials, like Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, strengthening bilateral ties and thanking Moscow for its stance on the preservation of Serbian territorial integrity.
Dacic left for the Russian capital at an invitation from Lavrov to see a friendly match between the two national teams over soccer between Serbia and Russia. Serbia was the first European national team to take part in football since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Dacic was also awarded the Order of Friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018 for his contributions to strengthening friendship and cooperation between nations. It comes just a few weeks after Dacic and President Aleksandar Vucic journeyed to Moscow, where they carried out discussions with Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Days before his visit, Vucic said Serbia was preparing to purchase Russian military transport helicopters and air-defense equipment. He stated that Serbia had ventured on a pro-European course, but it had no programs to join NATO. Serbia’s activities to heighten military relations with Moscow have upset the West and neighboring nations, including Bosnia-Herzegovina and NATO member Croatia.
Dacic has frequently emphasized the importance of maintaining relations with Russia as a “vital state interest” for Serbia, particularly regarding support on issues like Kosovo’s status. Serbia relies heavily on Russian support to oppose Kosovo’s independence. His close diplomatic engagements with Russian officials further underscore his alignment with Russian interests.
