This was stated by Russian Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko to RIA Novosti regarding the mass protests in Serbia against the regime of President Aleksandar Vučić, BGNES reported.

"People often ask how Russia is reacting in these circumstances. Our official position, which was clearly expressed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 15, is balanced, based on the law and in support of the legally elected president and authorities, and is extremely important in the current circumstances. But friendly solidarity is also important. This, of course, is very important," the Russian ambassador added.

According to Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, "Serbs feel Russia's support, but the opposition will use the anniversary of the tragedy in Novi Sad on November 1 to give new impetus to the protests."

He believes that after that, "the organizers will call for early parliamentary elections, which is a typical demand in all 'color revolutions'.

"Autumn is coming, and now they will intensify. This is a very difficult and dangerous period... with attempts to escalate violence... the Serbian leadership must find a balance between actively opposing the unrest and taking into account the reasonable demands of the protesters, as well as improving the socio-economic conditions in the country. The escalation of the crisis was deliberately timed after the summer lull and the start of the new political season," the Russian diplomat added.

There were protests in the spring, rallies of thousands of people. Then there was a pause due to the summer holidays, when there were few people who could be involved and who would suffer. The pause is over. Now everything continues. We assumed that the protests would resume after this short break. Now that a more active political life is beginning, a more active period of protests is also necessary, Botsan-Kharchenko added.

He believes that the protests will continue throughout the fall, and the current political situation is forcing Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to take a firm stance. The authorities are using force in an adequate manner and within the framework of the republic's constitution, the Russian ambassador to Belgrade concluded. I BGNES