Thousands attend Ratko Mladic's funeral in Belgrade as Sarajevo recalls its embassy staff

Germany

incl. 1 state outlet

2 SOURCES

Critics aligned with Brussels · 3 of 8 countries

Berlin sees the Marakana stadium as the true indicator of these funerals: in the same stands where hooligans became militiamen and then soldiers in the 1990s, a banner featuring Mladic's likeness brought together fans of Red Star and Partizan, proof that a national memory has never been laid to rest.

Brazil

2 SOURCES

Distinction between popular tribute and verdict · 2 of 8 countries

Brazil clearly distinguishes the popular tribute paid in Belgrade from the intact verdict of The Hague, recalling that the 2017 genocide conviction was not overturned by the crowd that hailed Ratko Mladic as a hero.

Finland

2 SOURCES

Distinction between popular tribute and verdict · 2 of 8 countries

Helsinki views the burial of Ratko Mladic less as an isolated tribute than as a symptom of a collective Serbian memory shaped by three decades of nationalism and a sense of being alone against the world.

France

incl. 1 state outlet

3 SOURCES

Critics aligned with Brussels · 3 of 8 countries

Paris sees these funerals as a reflection of a Serbia where revisionism, from veterans to teenagers, prevails over the verdict of The Hague.

Hungary

2 SOURCES

Critics aligned with Brussels · 3 of 8 countries

Budapest is first assessing the European cost of these funerals for Belgrade, amid condemnation from Brussels, Croatian anger and an announced rift with Sarajevo.

Italy

3 SOURCES

Pragmatic interpretation of Serbian calculation · 2 of 8 countries

Rome is examining the political calculation of Vučić, who was personally absent from the funeral but discreetly ensured they received state honors, just a month ahead of early elections.

Russia

incl. 1 state outlet

3 SOURCES

Diplomatic alignment with Belgrade · 1 of 8 countries

Moscow views the funeral of Ratko Mladic as a new episode in the standoff between Belgrade and Brussels, where the discreet presence of its ambassador signals the continuity of Russian-Serbian ties in the face of European pressure.

Serbia

4 SOURCES

Pragmatic interpretation of Serbian calculation · 2 of 8 countries

Belgrade is striking a fragile compromise between military honors and state honors, just weeks ahead of early elections in which Aleksandar Vučić is staking part of his political survival.