Vucic: Rational approach needed to end Ukraine bloodshed

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says a rational approach is needed to end the bloodshed in Ukraine and that peace is closer with US President-elect Donald Trump unless there is an escalation before he takes office.

"Many things will change. The strategic relationship with China will be very important for Donald Trump - that must be clear to us Europeans, too," Vucic told Germany's Handelsblatt daily in an interview.

"That is why it is good that Germany has expanded its contacts with China, which now needs to happen at European level as well," he said.

"Trump will turn to Europe soon and the EU would be well-advised to establish discussions soon," Vucic said.

To secure its place in the future, Europe needs vision and long-term, determined action, he noted.

"Every day we hear that Ukraine must win at all costs. But does Europe act like that? No. A rational approach is needed to end the bloodshed," Vucic noted.

Europe is losing weight in the world, he said.

"Our share in the world economy is decreasing every year. On the other hand, Asia is growing stronger, and so is Africa. Do we want to watch our share in the global economy halve to below 10 pct in ten to fifteen years?" he asked.