Russian Foreign Intelligence Service accuses EU of being behind protests in Serbia

“The press bureau of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) reports that, according to information received by the SVR, the current unrest in Serbia, involving active participation of the youth, is largely the product of subversive activities by the European Union and the member states within it. The goal of the European liberal mainstream is to bring to power a compliant and Brussels-loyal leadership in this largest Balkan country. It must be acknowledged that the Euro-elites are succeeding in many respects: the youth are becoming radicalized, transitioning from peaceful protests to revolutionary methods of struggle and violence,” a statement said.

The SVR claimed that the “colored revolution” is faltering in Serbia because of “persistent strong patriotic sentiments in Serbian society, the unifying influence of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as the memory of NATO bombings”.

The SVR accused the EU of planning to exploit the anniversary of the Novi Sad Railway Station tragedy which claimed 16 lives and triggered the protest to turn the situation in its favor. “Emphasis is placed on "brainwashing" Serbian youth and promoting the so-called "bright European future." Particular importance is assigned to allegedly independent media outlets. Their "independence" is expected to be strengthened with "democratic" European funds,” the statement said.

It claimed that “Serbian news portals such as FoNet, RAM Network, Vreme, Juzne Vesti, Slobodna Rec, Boom93, Podrinske, Freemedia, Indjija, SOinfo, FAR, Storyteller, as well as NGOs like Link, receive substantial financial backing from Brussels-affiliated NGOs”.

“Brussels anticipates that financial support for media and NGOs will mobilize protest voters, bring people to the streets, and complete a "Serbian Maidan".

The Maidan anti-government protests took place in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv in 2013. They started in protest against President Yanukovich’s refusal to sign an association agreement with the EU in favor of closer ties with Russia.