Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has abruptly cut short his official visit to the United States due to a sudden health issue, sparking widespread coverage by international media. Vučić was hospitalized at the Military Medical Academy (VMA) in Belgrade upon return, and the exact nature of his condition remains undisclosed.
The Associated Press reports that Vučić, 55, experienced a medical episode during a meeting in Florida, leading to his immediate return to Serbia after consultations with his doctors. While the cause remains unclear, the agency notes that Vučić has a known history of high blood pressure.
“The president fell ill unexpectedly during a meeting in the U.S., and following medical consultations, chose to return home,” AP stated.
The incident comes just days before Vučić was scheduled to attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9, a plan that has already drawn criticism from European Union officials, who argue it could jeopardize Serbia’s EU accession process.
Bloomberg, TASS, and Xinhua Cover the Health Scare
Bloomberg confirmed the president’s health incident in Florida, reporting that he had to cancel parts of his scheduled meetings. The agency noted that Vučić’s office has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Russia’s TASS news agency quoted sources stating that Vučić remains in a military hospital, and that more details about his condition are expected in the coming days. TASS reiterated that Vučić had intended to participate in the May 9 parade in Moscow, unless “something happens or an extraordinary threat to Serbia arises,” referencing Vučić’s own earlier remarks.
RIA Novosti echoed this narrative, stating that Vučić had managed to hold meetings with several U.S. Congress members and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani before falling ill.
“The president began to feel unwell during the preparations for upcoming activities, with Finance Minister Siniša Mali and media advisor Suzana Vasiljević present in the room,” reported China’s Xinhua News Agency, citing Serbian sources.
European Context and Regional Sensitivities
The incident has raised questions across European and regional media, especially as Vučić’s participation in Moscow’s military parade coincides with heightened tensions between Russia and the West.
Ukrainian National News (UNN) noted that both Vučić and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had planned to attend the Moscow celebration, though Fico has since cancelled, reigniting speculation over his own health following last year’s assassination attempt.
The juxtaposition of Vučić’s sudden health crisis and Moscow’s symbolic event has triggered a fresh wave of geopolitical debate and media scrutiny.
