Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has firmly reaffirmed his intention to attend the celebrations on May 9 in Moscow, despite strong diplomatic pressure and warnings from European countries and the European Union
This significant statement from the head of the Serbian state is yet another manifestation of his independent foreign policy, which increasingly causes tension in relations with Brussels and certain EU member states. According to information released by "European Truth" and sources from the AP agency, Vučić emphasized in his statement that his decision to attend the May 9 parade in Moscow is final. "In the near future, we will face all kinds of pressure regarding our participation in this event, but we have already announced our intention to attend," the president stated explicitly. This demonstrates his firmness and intention to ignore diplomatic warnings coming from EU countries. For Ukraine and Western diplomacy, this visit raises particular concern. Reports indicate that European officials warned the Serbian leader that participation in a military parade in Moscow could have negative consequences for Serbia's ambitions to join the European Union. Specifically, they are aware that such support for Putin and demonstrations of solidarity with Russia on the occasion of May 9 could be perceived as a violation of the criteria necessary for EU membership and may jeopardize Serbia’s prospects for further integration with Europe. Nevertheless, Vučić emphasized that his participation in the parade would be a symbolic gesture, as one of the Serbian military units is already preparing to take part in the renowned celebration in Moscow. He stressed that this event would hold special significance for Serbia — it would be the country's first participation in a joint Russian-state-organized parade, highlighting the long-term strategic partnership between Serbia and Russia. It is particularly noteworthy that Vučić has agreed to attend the parade together with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. This adds extra weight and symbolizes a common stance among some European leaders regarding support for Russia amid its war against Ukraine. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, already made a strong statement on April 14, calling on European leaders to refrain from participating in military celebrations in Moscow and instead to show solidarity with Ukraine. She urged not to attend the parade in Moscow on May 9 and to avoid visits to Russia, emphasizing that doing so is a necessary contribution to supporting the Ukrainian state and its people in the fight against aggression. Overall, the situation surrounding the intentions to remain true to political principles while also aiming to support the historic and commemorative event of May 9 has sparked much debate and tension within the European political space. However, the Serbian president demonstrates that for him, preserving sovereignty and independence in foreign policy is more important than external pressure and diplomatic warnings, and he continues to pursue his path on the complex international stage.