Vučić pledges to protect Serbs during Operation Storm commemoration
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić marked the anniversary of Operation Storm in Bosnia, pledging to protect regional Serbs while drawing mixed regional reactions.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić delivered an address in Mrkonjić Grad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the 1995 Croatian military action Operation Storm. Vučić stated that Serbia would "never again" allow similar operations against Serbs in the region, asserting that the nation possesses the strength to guarantee their safety. While stating that Serbia acknowledges and condemns crimes committed in its own name, he reiterated that the country will not forget its own victims.
The speech elicited sharp contrasts in regional reporting. Regional independent outlets framed the address as pre-election political maneuvering intended to rally nationalist support. In contrast, Croatian public media viewed the remarks as threats and criticized the depiction of Operation Storm as a crime, highlighting persistent diplomatic friction over wartime history between Belgrade and Zagreb.
Sources: Danas, HRT Vijesti, Klix, N1, Vijesti
How outlets assessed this
- Danas Critical Framed Vučić's speech as nationalist manipulation and fake patriotism designed to boost his standing before upcoming elections.
- HRT Vijesti Critical Highlighted Vučić describing Operation Storm as a crime and interpreted his pledges to protect Serbs as threats.
- Vijesti Neutral Emphasized Vučić's assertion that Serbia respects other victims and is willing to condemn crimes committed in its name.
- Aug 6, 2026, 07:00 AM UTC
- Danas Critical Framed the speech as false patriotism and pre-election nationalist manipulation using war victims for political gain.
- HRT Vijesti Alarmed Characterized the address as a threat and criticized the description of Croatia's liberation operation as a crime.
- N1 Skeptical Highlighted critics framing Vučić as projecting a messianic savior role ahead of upcoming elections.
- Danas Critical Framed the speech as pre-election manipulation relying on nationalist rhetoric and fear-mongering to gain political advantage.
- HRT Vijesti Critical Focused on Vučić labeling Operation Storm a crime and interpreted his security guarantees as threatening rhetoric toward Croatia.
- N1 Skeptical Questioned Vučić's self-portrayal as a savior figure ahead of elections despite his frequent calls for regional peace.
- Klix Cautious Emphasized Vučić's strong accusations against Croatia and his firm assertion of Serbian military and political resolve.
Sources
- Vijesti — Vučić povodom „Oluje“: Nećemo zaboraviti naše žrtve, a poštujemo i...
- Klix — Vučić u Mrkonjić Gradu iznio teške optužbe na račun Hrvatske: "Nikada više nećemo dozvoliti Oluju, Srbija je jaka"
- HRT Vijesti — Vučić kaže da je "Oluja" bila zločin i da neće dopustiti nove progone
- Danas — „Poslednji“ govor Vučića: Jedna neugodna aporija na obeležavanju Oluje
- N1 — Šta je poruka iz Mrkonjić Grada: "Uoči izbora - Vučić u ulozi velikog spasitelja i mesije"
Earlier coverage
- Sep 5, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCSerbian political leaders set strategies ahead of upcoming elections
- Aug 7, 2026, 01:30 PM UTCVučić marks Operation Storm anniversary with pledge to protect regional Serbs
- Aug 6, 2026, 01:00 AM UTCVučić vows to prevent future anti-Serb actions during Operation Storm address
- Aug 5, 2026, 01:00 AM UTCVučić pledges financial aid and defense resolve during Bosnia visit
- Aug 5, 2026, 12:00 AM UTCVučić pledges support for regional Serbs during visit to Bosnia
- Aug 2, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCVučić asserts unity of Serbs during visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Aug 2, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCSerbia promises further financial aid to Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina