Serbia’s Vucic discharged from hospital, to mark Victory Day in Russia
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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic leaves the hospital and cancels duties to rest, but still plans to attend the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow.
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Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic greets his supporters in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025 (AP)
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has been discharged from the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade after a brief hospitalization due to chest pain experienced during a visit to the United States.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali confirmed Vucic left the hospital around 5:00 p.m. local time and is now resting on medical advice. "The President feels better. He asked to convey this to all citizens of Serbia," Mali told national broadcaster RTS.
Vucic has canceled all official activities in the coming days but has not withdrawn from his planned visit to Moscow on May 9 for the Victory Parade.
"Knowing him, and since he is a man of his word, I assume he will fulfill his promise," Mali said.
Vucic to attend Victory Day no matter what
Cardiologist Dragan Dincic, who treated the president, confirmed his condition is stable but noted he would need several days of rest before resuming duties.
Vucic earlier stated that he intends to attend the May 9 event in Moscow, saying he would be there unless "anything happens to him or any threat is posed to Serbia."
Vucic announced on April 16 that he will attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow despite warnings from European Union officials that such a move could jeopardize Serbia’s EU membership bid.
'Display of Russian military power'
The EU views the parade as a display of Russian military power and has cautioned that Vucic’s participation may violate core principles expected of EU candidate countries.
Serbia has been pursuing EU membership since applying in 2009 and attaining the candidate status in 2012. However, Vucic has consistently maintained a close relationship with Russia and its president.
Every year, on May 9, celebratory events are held in Moscow’s Red Square. The event is observed in Russia and several former Soviet republics to commemorate Nazi Germany’s surrender in WWII.
As part of the celebrations, Vucic confirmed that a Serbian military unit will join the parade and noted that Serbia will also be involved in organizing the event for the first time.
