Vucic in Moscow: We have no right to revise the past

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, who arrived in Moscow today to attend the commemoration of Victory Day over fascism, stated that the Serbian people have no right to revise history, given the sacrifices they made during World War II. Responding to criticism from the European Parliament and Croatian MEPs suggesting that Serbia must acknowledge crimes, he asked whether that means Serbia should acknowledge Jasenovac, the seizure of Kosovo, or the military alliance between Albania and Kosovo.

"In a day and a half, a truly magnificent ceremony will be held here to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism. Tens of millions of people perished so that we could live normal lives today. We have no right to play with historical revisionism, as a people who suffered under the German Nazi occupiers and their local collaborators who fought against the Serbian people," Vucid told for RTS.

He added that he is proud to attend the Victory Day commemoration as President of Serbia, reminding that it was not Serbs who welcomed Hitler’s planes and tanks with flowers and cheers.

Vucic emphasized that his visit to Russia also has rational grounds, including discussions on gas supply contracts and improving bilateral relations with Russia.

Regarding the overflight ban imposed by Latvia and Lithuania, Vucic said he opposes reciprocal measures.

"I understand why they do this, but they will never try to understand why the majority of our people do not understand them," he added.

He recalled that many European countries, together with the U.S., bombed Serbia in violation of all norms of international law—something, he noted, that 26 years later is well known and still ignored.

"Instead of showing leniency toward us—which would be logical—acknowledging the injustice done to a small, proud nation, they expect us to cheer for them. As if we should say they were right to bomb us, to kill 2,500 people including children... and now we’re supposed to say it’s wonderful that they took Kosovo from us? They tell us whom we must not talk to, and when we tell them not to recognize Kosovo, they say it’s a done deal and we should look to the future," Vucic said.

He added that when things are framed this way, it becomes clear that rational answers are not forthcoming, and what follows instead are threats, intimidation, and insults—such as from rapporteur Tonino Picula and others.

Should Serbia admit to crimes? Jasenovac, Kosovo Seizure?

"People like Picula speak of changes Serbia must make and insist that Serbia must acknowledge the evil and terrible things it has done to their people... Do they mean Jasenovac? The seizure of Kosovo? A military alliance with Albania and so-called Kosovo, expanding to Bulgaria in order to encircle Serbia? And we’re supposed to play dumb and accept it all without question?" Vucic said.

Asked whether he expects consequences for visiting Russia, Vucic said he believes there will be consequences, but primarily for him personally, not for Serbia. He added that he is experienced enough to know that honor, dignity, and pride are not for sale.

He pointed out that he had promised President Putin he would come, and that he never lied about it—not to European leaders, nor during recent talks with Germany’s new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

"We have important work here. We must secure gas supply. I’m here to fight for my people and my country, and I couldn’t care less what others around the world say. No one elected me in Riga or Tallinn... Imagine telling them that 14% of their territory no longer belongs to them—or 14% of Ukraine’s territory. We wouldn’t do that. And yes, I will be viciously attacked for being here in Moscow," Vucic said.

He recalled that Russia has not recognized Kosovo's independence, unlike those who say we should look only to the future while ignoring the past.

Vucic expressed confidence that Serbia will remain on the European path, adding that "if anything is done, the punishment will be directed at me."

He announced that tomorrow he will first meet with Patriarch Kirill to present him with an order of merit, and later with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

"I'm curious how [Slovak PM Robert] Fico will manage to get to Moscow. It’s unbelievable that an EU member state is being prohibited from attending, especially after the tragic events he experienced," Vucic added.

He said there will be a dinner for all leaders tomorrow night, and the day after, following the parade and a joint lunch, he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and then with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I will discuss all key bilateral issues with President Putin—from gas and NIS, to railways, dispatch centers, and political cooperation," Vucic explained.

He said it is a tremendous honor for the leader of a small country to have the opportunity to meet two of the three or four most powerful leaders in the world.

"As for the European path, Serbia will remain on that path, and I will bear the punishment myself," Vucic reiterated.

When asked why the U.S. was slow to respond to his early return from America due to illness, Vucic said there are things that will become clear later, which he does not wish to discuss now.

"I’m not looking for a photo with Trump—I want to talk to him. I’ve met Trump five times. I don’t care about photos, only what I can do for our people. I respect the U.S. president and believe he is doing good things. I regret that we didn’t make it to the meeting with [Richard] Grenell and [Matt] Bessent. I don’t travel for pleasure, not even here—I travel to get things done for our citizens," Vucic concluded.

He added that he expects an "overall lynching" at the European Political Community meeting in Albania.