Serbia’s new government includes US-sanctioned ex-intelligence chief with close ties to Russia

Serbia’s new government is causing a stir with the inclusion of former intelligence chief Aleksandar Vulin, who has close ties with Russia and is sanctioned by the United States. Prime minister-designate Milos Vucevic announced the composition of his future cabinet, which is expected to be voted into office in the coming days in Serbia’s parliament.

Despite Serbia’s formal pursuit of European Union membership, the decision to include Vulin suggests a continued alignment with Russia and a defiance of Western sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine. In July, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Vulin, accusing him of involvement in illegal arms shipments, drug trafficking, and misuse of public office.

Vulin, who resigned as the director of Serbia’s intelligence agency BIA after the sanctions, has a controversial past, having also served as the army and police chief. The government formation comes after a tense parliamentary election in December, which saw President Aleksandar Vucic’s ruling party win the majority of seats amidst reports of irregularities.

The inclusion of Vulin in the new government has sparked concerns and raised questions about Serbia’s foreign policy direction and commitment to EU membership. The decision to appoint a figure sanctioned by the U.S. highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. As the government prepares to take office, all eyes will be on how Vulin’s presence will impact Serbia’s relationships with both the West and Russia.