BELGRADE, SERBIA - Serbia has received a sophisticated anti-aircraft system from Russia, despite possible U.S. sanctions against the Balkan state, which is formally seeking European Union membership.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told the pro-government TV Prva on Sunday that the Pantsir S1 air-defense system was purchased after suggestions from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Buy Pantsir, it showed its best efficiency in Syria,'' Vucic quoted Putin as saying during one of their recent, frequent meetings.