Serbian deputy PM says Vucic plans to attend Moscow parade despite being ill
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is anticipated to participate in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, despite a recent health issue, according to Finance Minister and Deputy PM Sinisa Mali. The parade, set for May 9 on Moscow’s Red Square,...
TroibNews 
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is anticipated to participate in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, despite a recent health issue, according to Finance Minister and Deputy PM Sinisa Mali.
The parade, set for May 9 on Moscow’s Red Square, will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The Kremlin has extended invitations to several leaders from countries such as Serbia, Slovakia, China, India, and Brazil. Meanwhile, EU officials have cautioned member and candidate states against attending.
Vucic abruptly concluded a trip to the United States on Friday after experiencing chest pains during a meeting in Florida, which were reportedly linked to high blood pressure. He was scheduled to engage with the Serbian diaspora and meet with US President Donald Trump, but he returned to Belgrade and was admitted to the Military Medical Academy, as reported by local broadcaster RTNS. Medical professionals indicated that the president “cannot be expected to return to his regular activities for several days."
In comments on Saturday, Mali expressed confidence that Vucic would still make the visit. “One thing I can say is, knowing him, considering that he is a man of his word, he gave his word that he would be there, I assume that he will keep his word. But I cannot tell you that at this moment.” Vucic was released from the hospital on Saturday.
The Military Medical Academy confirmed that the president underwent cardiovascular and hematological diagnostics and is currently in stable condition. Doctors have recommended that he rest, leading him to cancel all scheduled activities and obligations in the coming days.
Among the EU leaders invited to the event are Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Hungary declined the invitation, describing the end of World War II as a “bitter defeat” due to its historical alliance with Nazi Germany, while Fico has confirmed his attendance.
Last month, during a meeting with Vucic, EC Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos reportedly warned that his participation could negatively impact Serbia’s EU aspirations. In the face of this pressure, Vucic maintained his decision to attend the event, where a unit of the Serbian Armed Forces will also participate. Russian President Vladimir Putin commended those who accepted the invitation, labeling them as courageous for attending despite the pressures from Brussels.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
The parade, set for May 9 on Moscow’s Red Square, will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The Kremlin has extended invitations to several leaders from countries such as Serbia, Slovakia, China, India, and Brazil. Meanwhile, EU officials have cautioned member and candidate states against attending.
Vucic abruptly concluded a trip to the United States on Friday after experiencing chest pains during a meeting in Florida, which were reportedly linked to high blood pressure. He was scheduled to engage with the Serbian diaspora and meet with US President Donald Trump, but he returned to Belgrade and was admitted to the Military Medical Academy, as reported by local broadcaster RTNS. Medical professionals indicated that the president “cannot be expected to return to his regular activities for several days."
In comments on Saturday, Mali expressed confidence that Vucic would still make the visit. “One thing I can say is, knowing him, considering that he is a man of his word, he gave his word that he would be there, I assume that he will keep his word. But I cannot tell you that at this moment.” Vucic was released from the hospital on Saturday.
The Military Medical Academy confirmed that the president underwent cardiovascular and hematological diagnostics and is currently in stable condition. Doctors have recommended that he rest, leading him to cancel all scheduled activities and obligations in the coming days.
Among the EU leaders invited to the event are Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Hungary declined the invitation, describing the end of World War II as a “bitter defeat” due to its historical alliance with Nazi Germany, while Fico has confirmed his attendance.
Last month, during a meeting with Vucic, EC Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos reportedly warned that his participation could negatively impact Serbia’s EU aspirations. In the face of this pressure, Vucic maintained his decision to attend the event, where a unit of the Serbian Armed Forces will also participate. Russian President Vladimir Putin commended those who accepted the invitation, labeling them as courageous for attending despite the pressures from Brussels.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
