Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has sharply criticized the Montenegrin government for its decision to send a representative to the anniversary of Operation Storm in Knin, Croatia.
The move has reignited diplomatic friction between Belgrade and Podgorica, with Vucic pointing out the asymmetry in Montenegro's diplomatic engagements regarding the region's recent history.
Vucic noted that while Montenegro participated in the Croatian military celebration, it failed to send any delegation to the memorial service for Serb victims of the 1995 operation.
The Serbian president framed the decision as a significant diplomatic snub, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the suffering of Serb civilians during the conflict.
The controversy underscores the delicate balance Montenegro must maintain in its foreign policy, navigating between its EU integration aspirations and its historical ties to Serbia.
The incident adds to a series of diplomatic spats in the Western Balkans, where historical grievances continue to influence contemporary political relations.