Challenging Serbian president delivers message to EU from Red Square

(MENAFN) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic delivered a strong message to the European Union during his visit to Moscow’s Red Square for Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, asserting Serbia’s historical legacy and sovereign decision-making amid warnings from Brussels.

In an interview with Serbian broadcaster RTS on Wednesday, Vucic said he was proud to represent a nation that “did not welcome Hitler’s soldiers with flowers,” referencing Serbia’s resistance in World War II. He underscored the need to honor the Soviet Union’s sacrifices, stressing that history should not be distorted.

Despite being warned by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos that his attendance could negatively impact Serbia’s bid for EU membership, Vucic followed through with his visit. A Serbian military unit also participated in the parade. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised those who attended the event, calling their decision courageous.

“I told Putin I would come—and I did,” Vucic said, acknowledging potential repercussions, particularly for himself. He also described the difficulties reaching Moscow, including airspace denials from Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, forcing his plane to reroute through Bulgaria, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Amid heightened security following Ukrainian drone strikes, Vucic’s aircraft barely received Russian clearance to enter its airspace.

During his visit, Vucic emphasized the importance of Serbian-Russian relations, mentioning talks on gas contracts and thanking Russia for not recognizing Kosovo’s independence. He criticized Western powers for past injustices against Serbia, accusing them of issuing veiled threats while pushing Belgrade toward selective historical amnesia.

“They say ‘don’t look back, look to the future,’ but offer no reasoning—just intimidation,” Vucic said. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed Serbia’s intention to pursue EU membership.

Vucic made the trip despite a recent health issue that led him to cut short a U.S. visit, canceling a scheduled meeting with former President Donald Trump.

Victory Day 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Leaders from Brazil, Venezuela, Egypt, Slovakia, and China also attended the celebrations in Moscow.

MENAFN19052025000045015687ID1109566084