Putin Praises Vucic’s Visit to Moscow Despite EU Pressures

Vladimir Putin, Aleksandar Vučić,Moscow , May 9 2025 ( Photo: PrintScreeen Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav)

Speaking to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Kremlin, on May 9, Russian President Putin said that he greatly appreciated his attendance at a military parade marking Victory Day over fascism in World War II, despite attempts by the European Union’s officials to convince him not to go to Moscow.

“We sincerely appreciate that you are with us in Moscow on this important day and participating in the ceremonial events, even though I know some tried to persuade you to do otherwise, and created some logistical difficulties. But you are here with us despite that, and we value it highly,” Putin said at the start of his meeting with Vucic.

At the meeting, which was also attended by other officials from both countries, Putin stated that Russia “appreciates Serbia’s independent and sovereign course” in international affairs. He noted that while dialogue between the two countries’ officials had been unfolding regularly, there had been a decline in trade, and it was therefore necessary to consider how to reverse that trend.

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“Russia remains a guarantor of Serbia’s energy security, covering around 85 percent of its needs. Natural gas deliveries flow through the Turkish Stream pipeline, and in addition to being a reliable supplier, Gazprom responds to the requests of our Serbian friends by providing additional quantities of gas, beyond those stipulated in the contracts. This creates a secure foundation for Serbia’s stable economic activity,” Putin said. Vucic responded by saying he “completely agreed” with Putin that Serbia and Russia should increase their trade in goods and added that he believed “there are great opportunities to achieve that.”