During a Senate confirmation hearing, President Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell, repeatedly refused to state his personal views on whether he supported or opposed policies that would prevent Black Americans from voting. Senator Chris Murphy pressed Bozell on his stance regarding discriminatory refugee policies as well as re-implementing racially biased voting laws. Bozell insisted his personal views were irrelevant, intending to focus on his role as ambassador and following the President’s directives. Murphy criticized Bozell’s lack of transparency, emphasizing that his views were crucial for assessing his qualifications for the position.
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Novak Djokovic is reportedly considering a permanent move to Greece due to his perceived targeting by the Serbian government. The tennis star’s support of student-led protests against President Aleksandar Vucic, sparked by a tragic event, has drawn criticism in pro-government Serbian media. This shift in coverage, coupled with Djokovic’s meetings with the Greek Prime Minister and a potential relocation of the Belgrade Open, has fueled speculation about his future. While Djokovic has downplayed immediate relocation plans, the situation marks a significant change in the long-held support he has experienced in his home country.
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The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleges that Serbian defense companies have violated Serbia’s stated neutrality by supplying Ukraine with hundreds of thousands of rockets and millions of small arms cartridges. These weapons were allegedly shipped using fraudulent end-user certificates, according to the SVR. The SVR characterizes these exports as a deliberate act of aggression against Russia, contradicting Serbia’s public stance. Previous reporting supports the claim of significant Serbian ammunition exports to Ukraine, totaling an estimated €800 million since the start of the conflict.
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The EU’s potential ban on Serbia’s accession to the Union if President Aleksandar Vucic attends Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day parade in Moscow highlights a complex geopolitical situation. The threat of exclusion underscores the bloc’s firm stance against Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its growing intolerance for countries perceived as aligning too closely with Moscow.
This potential ban isn’t simply a symbolic gesture; it carries significant weight for Serbia. For years, Serbia has navigated a delicate balancing act, cultivating ties with both the EU and Russia. Accession to the EU has been a long-term goal, a path toward economic prosperity and political stability.… Continue reading
On February 24th, Serbia inadvertently voted in favor of a UN resolution declaring Russia an aggressor in Ukraine, despite its intended abstention. President Vucic apologized for the error, attributing it to fatigue and an overwhelming workload. This vote, contrary to Serbia’s policy of neutrality regarding the conflict, is expected to negatively impact its relations with both Russia and the European Union. The resolution, amended to explicitly name Russia as the aggressor, passed with 93 votes in favor. Serbia maintains friendly ties with Russia but recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty.
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President Trump issued a full pardon to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, building upon his 2020 commutation of Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence for attempting to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat. This pardon removes the legal impediments preventing Blagojevich from seeking public office. The pardon follows Blagojevich’s support of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, including work with Serbian-American voters. Reports suggest Trump may appoint Blagojevich as the U.S. ambassador to Serbia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood