Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated from Moscow that he expects “very harsh reactions” from the European Union over his visit to Russia, but emphasized that his response will be serious and well-prepared, reports RFE.
“I know how this goes: first two of them appear, then another one comes out with an initiative against me. But if they think I will stay silent, like others did, I will not. My response will be serious, responsible, and prepared in advance,” Vučić told reporters on May 8.
Vučić arrived in Moscow ahead of Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. His visit includes a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin—their first since the war in Ukraine began.
He stressed that Serbia would remain on its European path, but if anyone is to “pay the price” for this visit, it will be him personally, not the state.
He said he had promised Putin in a phone call eight or nine months ago that he would attend the parade, and he believes in honoring promises, especially when it’s difficult.
Vučić and Putin are also expected to discuss gas agreements and the Serbian Oil Industry (NIS), which is majority-owned by Russia and currently under U.S. sanctions.
In addition, Vučić awarded Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church with the Order of the Republic of Serbia, First Class, for his contributions to the unity between the Serbian and Russian peoples and churches. Vučić described the event as a significant step in deepening Serbia-Russia relations.
During his visit, Vučić also went to Danilov Monastery, the spiritual and administrative center of the Russian Orthodox Church, calling it a symbol of hope and resilience for the Russian people.
Meanwhile, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said in late April that while the decision to visit Moscow is Vučić’s, his attendance would make it harder for her to help Serbia stay firmly on the European path.
Serbia has been in EU accession talks since 2014 but has not aligned with EU sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Vučić is one of the only European leaders attending the 80th Victory Day parade in Moscow. The Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his pro-Kremlin stance, also plans to attend. Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Moscow as well for bilateral talks with Putin.
