When Bosnia declared independence in April 1992, following a referendum, violence broke out throughout the republic. Milosevic vowed to defend Serbs from what he called "Croatian genocide" and "Islamic fundamentalism". More than three years of war followed - the bloodiest in Europe since World War II.

Public opinion in Belgrade was mixed. Many people - particularly families who were affected by the draft - wanted to see an end to war. But others wanted to protect their Serb brethren in Bosnia, and rallied behind Milosevic.