Serbian President Vučić meets Putin amid EU criticism

• Meeting in Moscow: The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, met Vladimir Putin in Moscow. It was their first official meeting since 2022, when Russia commenced the invasion of Ukraine.
• Logistical problems: During his trip to Moscow, Vučić encountered difficulties as Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia refused to permit his plane to traverse their airspaces.
• Trade relations: Putin emphasised that despite the evolving Russian-Serbian dialogue, the trade exchange between the countries is not optimal and requires improvement.

During the meeting in Moscow, Vladimir Putin expressed appreciation for Serbia's independent policy on the international stage.

"We appreciate Serbia's independent and sovereign course in international affairs," said Putin. The Russian President also highlighted the importance of Serbia as a partner in energy matters, noting that Russia meets 85% of Serbia's energy needs.

In response, Aleksandar Vučić expressed a desire to further develop cooperation with Russia. Vučić stated that it should be expanded and strengthened in all areas and added that the current gas supply agreement with Russia has very favourable terms.

Vučić's meeting with Putin was met with criticism from the European Union, of which Serbia is officially a candidate. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia blocked Vučić's flight to Moscow.

Nevertheless, the President of Serbia emphasised that his country does not intend to abandon its traditional friends, even while pursuing European integration. Vučić insists that Serbia is on the European path, but does not want to renounce its traditional friends.

During his visit to Moscow, Vučić also participated in the "Victory Day" celebrations, commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. He was one of the few European leaders present at this event.