Serbia’s Vucic to attend Moscow Victory Day parade despite EU warnings

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic has confirmed he will attend Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May, defying warnings from the European Union amid heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine.

Vucic, known for his populist leadership and close ties with Moscow, said he had “not changed his mind” about the trip. He also announced that one of Serbia’s military units would take part in the annual parade on Red Square, which marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Speaking to reporters, the Serbian leader added that he would travel to Moscow alongside Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, another EU-aligned politician who has expressed pro-Russian sentiments in the past.

The EU has previously cautioned candidate countries like Serbia against deepening military or political engagement with Russia, especially in symbolic events that could be seen as legitimising the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine.

Despite its EU membership aspirations, Serbia has so far refused to join Western sanctions against Russia, maintaining economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow.