Images of Aleksandar Vulin, a prominent figure in Serbia’s ruling coalition and a close associate of President Vučić, have sparked controversy after he appeared at the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow adorned with several Russian security service medals.
Despite currently holding no official state office, Vulin’s presence at the parade—reportedly at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin—highlights his deep and ongoing connections with Moscow’s intelligence and defense apparatus.
The Medals on Display
Journalists from Radio Free Europe (RFE) identified several high-ranking Russian decorations on Vulin’s civilian suit during the festivities:
- Order of Friendship: Awarded by Vladimir Putin and presented in January 2024 by Sergej Nariškin, director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). It was granted for Vulin’s “contribution to cooperation” between the Serbian BIA and the Russian SVR.
- FSB Medal: An award from the Federal Security Service (the successor to the KGB), given in January 2024 for strengthening ties between Serbian and Russian intelligence.
- St. George’s Ribbon: Worn on his right lapel, this symbol has been banned in Ukraine since 2017, as it is now synonymous with the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
A Career Defined by Pro-Russian Advocacy
Vulin has served in nearly every major security post in Serbia, including Minister of Defense, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Director of the Security Intelligence Agency (BIA). His career has been marked by a staunch “pro-Moscow” stance, even as Serbia officially maintains a path toward EU membership.
Key Career Milestones:
- July 2023: Placed under U.S. sanctions for alleged involvement in international organized crime, drug trafficking, and facilitating “malign Russian influence” in the Balkans.
- May 2024: Appointed Deputy Prime Minister after resigning from the BIA due to U.S. pressure.
- May 2025: Appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Srbijagas, the state enterprise responsible for Russian gas imports.
- October 2025: Became head of the Serbian branch of the Russian Historical Society, an organization led by the sanctioned SVR chief Sergej Nariškin.
Diplomatic Context: A Solo Act?
While Vulin attended the 2026 parade, there was no official state delegation from Serbia this year. This follows a statement from Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, who noted that Moscow did not send formal invitations to foreign leaders this time, though some officials “expressed a desire” to attend on their own.
Vulin’s appearance in Moscow reinforces his vision of a “Serbian World” (Srpski svet)—a political concept he champions that envisions Serbia as a primary and unconditional ally of Russia and China in the Balkans.
