Vucic and Putin Speak First Time in 2.5 Years, Discuss Cooperation and WWII Liberation of Belgrade

Oct 20, 2024, 12:15 PM

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, marking their first conversation in two and a half years. The discussion coincided with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade from Nazi occupation, a significant World War II victory achieved by Soviet and Yugoslav Partisan forces on October 20, 1944. Vucic expressed gratitude to Putin for Russia's role in the liberation and the provision of natural gas supplies for Serbia this winter. The two leaders confirmed their intention to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas. Additionally, Serbia honored Soviet soldiers for their contribution to the liberation of Belgrade, with Vucic highlighting the importance of the Red Army units in this historic event. The call also came as a decision was expected regarding Vucic's participation in the BRICS summit this week.