Serbian President ignores EU and goes to Russia on May 9
Photo: Aleksandar Vučić and Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has not changed his mind about his plans to visit Moscow next month. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has invited him to the May 9 parade, Associated Press reports.
Vučić said that one of the Serbian military units would take part in the May 9 parade on Red Square in Moscow. He also emphasized that this is the first time Serbia is participating in the joint organization of the parade.
"In the coming period, we will be under pressure regarding the event in Moscow in which we have announced our participation," he said.
The Serbian President noted that he would travel to Moscow with the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik said he would also attend the parade.
Earlier, European officials warned Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić that his visit to Moscow would violate EU membership criteria and could undermine the country's accession ambitions. In addition, the visit would effectively mean a demonstration of support for Putin and Russia's war against Ukraine.
Kallas urges not to go to Moscow
EU Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas has warned that any participation in May 9 parades or celebrations in Moscow will not be taken lightly by the European side.
She emphasized that the European Union does not want to see potential members in Moscow at Putin's parade.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would go to Moscow despite Kallas' warning. Moreover, Fico was outraged that no one can tell him where he should or should not go.
