Kathrine Frich
For years, Serbia and Russia have maintained close cultural and political ties, strengthened by shared history and a perception of partnership in times of tension.
When the war in Ukraine began, Serbia became a key destination for Russians seeking to leave their country, drawn by visa-free entry and a familiar linguistic environment.
But as Serbia pursues closer integration with the European Union, the balance between old alliances and new obligations has grown increasingly complicated.
It is in this shifting landscape that many Russians now find themselves in a difficult position.
Citizenship process stalls
According to Balkan Insight, dozens of Russian and Belarusian nationals who sought asylum in Serbia after the war broke out now face long delays in gaining citizenship.
Many renounced their Russian passports as required by Serbian law, but their applications have not progressed.
At least 32 people are reported to be stuck in the system, leaving them unable to travel, work or obtain documents.
Without citizenship or a valid passport, they are effectively stateless.
One campaigner described the situation as leaving people “unable to do anything,” with no clear timeline for resolution.
Personal stories of uncertainty
One affected resident, Nadezhda Ziganshina, has lived in Novi Sad since 2017.
She renounced her Russian citizenship after being told her application would be approved. More than a year later, she still has no Serbian documentation.
A Telegram group formed by those in limbo reported that applicants were instructed to surrender their passports before receiving any confirmation of citizenship. After doing so, they received no follow up.
Ziganshina said: “We are first generation immigrants. This means we all have elderly parents and other close relatives in our country of origin who may urgently need us.”
Journalists and scientists also affected
The delays have also affected Russian journalists and scientists living in Serbia. Mikhail Kovalenko, a scientific reporter who has lived in the country for more than a decade, gave up his passport in October 2023.
Two years later, he still has no legal status.
“I can’t access any documents in Serbia,” he said. “You can’t travel anywhere or be officially employed; you can’t use electronic government services because according to the city administration you’re absent from the Ministry of Interior system.”
Serbia’s government has not publicly responded to the reports.
Analysts note that Serbia’s long standing ties with Russia remain significant, yet its EU membership ambitions increasingly influence domestic policy.
Last year, Serbia issued only 188 passports to Russian citizens, a sharp decline from previous years.
Sources: Balkan Insight, Daily Star
