Putin invites Serbian President Vucic to Moscow next year

BELGRADE, Serbia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday invited Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to visit Moscow in May of next year.

According to Serbia's state-run news agency Tanjug, Putin invited Vucic on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

"I invite you to take part in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, which will be held in Moscow on May 9, 2025.

“This most important date symbolizes the end of the most terrible war in the history of mankind. We pay deep respect to the heroism of our fathers and grandfathers and bow heads in front of the numerous victims of Nazism.

“I am convinced that preserving the memory of the great victory will strengthen the common determination to oppose any manifestations of neo-Nazism and increase constructive cooperation in order to ensure peace and security on the planet," said Putin in the invitation.

Vucic spoke with Putin by phone in late October for the first time in about two and a half years.

Belgrade has faced criticism for remaining neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine and refusing to impose sanctions on Moscow.

Faced with relentless pressure from the West to impose sanctions on Russia, Serbia's president urged the international community to understand Belgrade's concerns.