Belgrade:  According to Serbia's president Aleksandar Vucic, the time is drawing near when Serbia will be forced to accede to Western demands to sanction its longtime ally Russia.

Vucic stated in an interview with Prva broadcaster on Friday that he anticipates "a major escalation" in the Ukraine conflict over the following six months. He warned that the conflict up to this point will seem like "almost nothing, compared to what's coming."

The president claimed that despite already being extremely strong, this situation "will affect our country as the pressure on Belgrade in terms of its relations with Russia will become two or three times tougher."

Also Read: London is secretly preparing to increase defense cooperation with Brussels

Kosovo's breakaway province's independence and sanctions against Moscow for its military operation in Ukraine have been singled out by Brussels as important requirements for Belgrade's application to join the EU.

Vucic, who has been denying both demands for months, now claims that eventually Belgrade may need to abide by the EU's restrictions on Moscow.

Also Read: China considers significantly expanding its nuclear arsenal

Let's continue to press forward in this manner as long as we can; I'll know when the time is right and I won't keep anything from anyone. I am afraid that it's not even months away; that moment [when Serbia sanctions Russia] has been approaching for a long time," he said.

The president of Serbia admitted that he once thought that the West, which provides the Kiev government with arms, money, and intelligence, was winning the conflict in Ukraine. But he continued, "At this point, it's not entirely clear who is winning in Ukraine."

The fact that there is now "unity" among the Russian people regarding the conflict, particularly following the announcement by Berlin and some other countries last month that German-made Leopard tanks would be supplied to Kiev, has increased Moscow's chances of success, he said.

Also Read: US announces new Chinese sanctions

No matter who wins the Ukrainian conflict, it will be "difficult" for Serbia, according to Vucic. "The West does not want a Russian ally in the heart of Europe. On the other hand, Russia does not wish to lose any of its current advantages in the Balkans, he added.

Belgrade is still one of the few international actors to advocate for diplomatic action to resolve the crisis, but "no one is allowed to mention peace anymore," he said.