If Serbia would impose sanctions against Russia, it would “shot itself in the foot.” Such a decision could bring only "suicidal politician" because Serbia wouldn’t have any benefits from it, but only huge damage, says in an interview Aleksandar Chepurin, Russian Ambassador to Serbia.

“The measures against Russia were introduced only by thirty countries out of the 193 UN member states, and none of them is member of the BRIKS. Most of your neighbours did not do so. However, those that did are faced with the Russian counter-sanctions and they realized what they had done. Some stated they did not understand what was going on. Well, Cuba has been under sanctions for decades, and people still support the government. Now the time has come to consider the abolition of all sanctions. Both, Eastern and Western Europe could benefit from it.

But pressures from the West to Serbia to change the decision and chose a side in the Ukrainian crisis are becoming stronger 

Why would Serbia do that and violate the Serbian-Russian strategic partnership, which was initialled only a year ago? Whether Russia was the one who 15 years ago bombed Serbia and urged Kosovo separatists to separation? Are we the ones who do not recognize the territorial integrity of Serbia?

Are you satisfied with the foreign policy position taken by the government in Belgrade?

We understand the specific situation of Serbia and the Government's policy that the country joins the EU. We appreciate balanced Serbia's position on the events in Ukraine, where the main thing now is - to prevent mass killing of civilians in the southeast. The Kiev authorities are already de facto turned Donetsk in Stalingrad, Guernica, or if you prefer, Vukovar.

What specific assistance from the Serbia you expect when we take over chairmanship of the OSCE? 

First of all, to have a "spine", to be as neutral as possible throughout the dialogue and to delegate professional staff that will be able to cope with the challenges in Europe.

What are the benefits which Serbia can count on, if it does not join the sanctions?

Serbia and Russia are natural partners and our relationship is not based on some benefits, but exceeds these dimensions. Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic recently in Moscow has sought and received additional benefits for Serbia in the project "South Stream". It is the largest investment in Serbia, in the amount of 2.1 billion euros. We hope that stupidity and hatred towards Russia or Serbia would not jeopardize that what you can receive.

Bulgaria recently froze the implementation of the "South stream." Could this capital project fail?

In light of the Ukrainian events, this project is more topical than ever before. For Bulgaria, Austria, Serbia, Hungary it is of great economic importance. In one or another form, the gas will still arrive in South Europe.

Is Serbia using sufficiently benefits of economic agreements with Russia?

And without counter-sanctions, opportunities for Serbia in the sphere of agricultural exports are enormous, and now even further increased. The space on the Russian market freed up, and it was mainly held by large Western companies. Serbia could take place of some of them, especially in the export of meat, dairy products, vegetables and fruits. Investments in the Serbian economy are becoming more attractive. Exports can increase. Frankly, I see no real major projects - in addition to "South Stream" and the development of agriculture - that would allow Serbian citizens to live better in the coming years.

To which extent events in the Crimea could affect Russia? Looking after its own interest, Russia might recognize the independence of Kosovo?

Kosovo and Crimea are different cases. Russia will continue to support territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia. We would like that those who now request from Serbia to recognize the integrity of Ukraine over Crimea, to first recognize the integrity of Serbia over Kosovo.