Aleksandar Vulin, the former deputy prime minister of Serbia and current chairman of the Supervisory Board of Srbijagas, has raised concerns about the European Union's commitment to re-establishing dialogue with Russia. Speaking to TASS ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vulin questioned the rationale behind the EU's decision to appoint a mediator for discussions with Moscow. He stated, "If the Europeans truly wanted to engage with Russia, why not speak directly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov or President Vladimir Putin?" Vulin suggested that the EU's approach appears more about posturing than genuine dialogue. He pointed out that, despite tensions, Russia is not at war with Europe, and thus, open communication is necessary. Vulin criticized the EU's perception of its role in the negotiations, arguing that it is misguided and that existing diplomatic channels should be utilized instead of relying on intermediaries. His comments reflect a broader skepticism in Serbia regarding the EU's intentions and effectiveness in fostering meaningful dialogue with Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.