Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on Monday that NATO’s 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia set a precedent for violating international law, one that is now coming back to haunt the West.
In an interview with Swiss weekly Weltwoche, Vučić argued that the airstrikes, carried out without United Nations Security Council approval, demonstrated that major powers could bypass international norms when it suited them. He drew parallels to the current conflict in Ukraine.
“Whatever they did to us, they now see with Ukraine that even the Russians are using the same narrative the West used against us. It was a smart move by Russia’s leadership — if I were in their place, I’d do the same. It’s not good for us, but it works for them. And what can the West say in response — that the bombing of Serbia was legal? It wasn’t, and they know it,” Vučić said.
He accused Western nations of avoiding discussions about the legality of the intervention, claiming they only justify it by saying they prevented a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Kosovo — a phrase he noted Russia has since echoed regarding Donetsk and Luhansk.
“Now I ask my friends in the West: what did you do in 1999?” Vučić added.
A Disproportionate War
Reflecting on the conflict, Vučić described NATO’s actions as an unjust assault on a small country by a vastly superior military alliance.
“Nineteen NATO countries, at the time 519 times wealthier, 228 times larger, and 160 times more populous than Serbia, attacked one small country and violated international law. This created what many now call the ‘Kosovo precedent,’ meaning that powerful states can support the secession of a sovereign, internationally recognized nation when it suits their interests,” he said.
Vučić claimed the bombing campaign was designed to humiliate Serbia, citing the 1999 Rambouillet negotiations as evidence.
“They proposed terms they knew we couldn’t accept. Even Henry Kissinger said the document was crafted to ensure Serbia’s rejection. Then they found a pretext — a single incident, which we believe was an anti-terrorist operation — and used it as a reason to bomb Serbia,” he said.
The president also accused NATO of downplaying civilian casualties, recalling that 16 people killed in Serbia’s state television building were labeled “collateral damage.”
Echoes in Ukraine
Vučić warned that the precedent set in 1999 is now being used to justify actions elsewhere, particularly in Ukraine.
“The West claims Russia’s actions in Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk are illegal — but Russia is using the same logic the West used in Kosovo. What can they say now? That the bombing of Serbia was legal? It wasn’t, and they know it,” he said.
Protests and Alleged Foreign Influence
Turning to recent protests in Serbia, Vučić claimed they were part of a foreign-backed attempt to destabilize the country.
“The protests are against the government and me, supported by the opposition, and largely funded from abroad. Organizations like Oak Foundation, USAID, and Sweden’s SIDA finance these movements. It’s similar to the ‘Water’ protests in Hong Kong — leaderless, widespread, and difficult to contain,” he said.
He further alleged that Western intelligence services were involved and that neighboring countries were backing the protests in hopes of weakening Serbia.
“We haven’t used violence against the protesters — not a single baton. That’s why they’re angry, so they spread lies, like the claim that acoustic weapons were used during the March 15 protests. That was a brutal lie, and even the manufacturer confirmed the equipment wasn’t deployed,” Vučić said.
Claims of a “Color Revolution”
Vučić described the protests as an attempt at a “color revolution,” similar to movements seen in other parts of the world aimed at toppling governments through mass mobilization.
“It’s clear to the Russians, the Chinese, and even many Americans. Europe knows who funds these NGOs but pretends otherwise,” he said.
Asked whether Serbia might hold new elections, Vučić claimed the opposition wasn’t interested in democratic processes.
“They don’t want elections, referendums, or the people’s will. They’re exploiting students and children. But we remain calm, defending our institutions without violence. Hopefully, we’ll resolve this in the next month or two,” he said.
When asked directly if this was an attempted coup, Vučić responded:
“Yes, that’s clear to many officials abroad. They’re trying to overthrow the government.”
He concluded by alleging that Serbia lacked support from Brussels, asserting that the European Union quietly sided with the protesters.
“I can’t say they publicly back them, but there’s no doubt they do,” Vučić said.
