Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to visit Moscow on May 25 next year, marking the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II, according to the Serbian Broadcasting Corporation (RTS).
“I invite you to participate in the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, which will take place in Moscow in May 2025,” Putin was quoted as saying.
The Serbian president’s office has neither confirmed nor denied the information when asked for clarification by Radio Free Europe.
In the invitation, Putin reportedly expressed confidence that preserving “the memory of the great victory will strengthen the shared determination” to enhance “constructive cooperation, aiming to ensure peace and security on the planet,” writes RFE.
Earlier, Putin also invited Vučić to the BRICS summit held in October in Kazan, Russia. However, Vučić did not attend, citing Serbia’s obligations to host several significant guests during that period.
At that time, Serbia hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with EU leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
While Vučić was absent, a delegation from the Serbian government participated in the BRICS summit, seen as Russia’s effort to counter Western influence globally. Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin attended the summit and later met with Putin.
Vulin is under U.S. sanctions, partly due to his close ties with Russia.
The European Union reacted to the meeting, stating that all candidate countries for EU membership “must refrain from contacts with Russia and its president.”
Although Serbia holds candidate status for EU membership, it is the only Western Balkan country that has not joined Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and continues to maintain relations with Moscow officials.
