Vucic: We take pride in the victory over fascism

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic addressed the public from Moscow, where he will attend the military parade marking Victory Day. He stated that he expects numerous reactions to his visit to the Russian Federation but emphasized that Serbia takes pride in the victory over fascism.

Earlier today, Vucic met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia. Following the meeting, he presented the Patriarch with the Order of the Republic of Serbia on a Grand Collar, in recognition of his distinguished contribution to strengthening friendly relations and cooperation.

“I’ve learned a great deal from Patriarch Kirill and heard about the difficult position of the Russian Orthodox Church in surrounding countries. I am proud of this cooperation and, with your blessing, I would also say the love that exists between our churches and our peoples. I conveyed greetings from Patriarch Porfirije to Patriarch Kirill. It is a great honor for me to present the First-Class Order of the Republic of Serbia to Patriarch Kirill,” Vucic said at the start of his address.

He announced a meeting today with the President of Kazakhstan to discuss cooperation in the defense industry and hotel sector and revealed a major step forward: the launch of a direct air route between Astana and Belgrade.

“In an hour, I will meet with my friend, President Tokayev of Kazakhstan. Following his historic visit to Belgrade, he has made great efforts to ensure everything we discussed is implemented. I’m pleased that Mr. Dacic is leading that council, where we will talk about a range of topics—from defense industry cooperation to the construction of luxury hotels. Here in Moscow, they have the most powerful hotels like Ritz-Carlton and others... We hope similar ones will be built in Belgrade. We are also finalizing an agreement for Kazakhstan’s key airline to establish a permanent Astana–Belgrade route, which will enhance our bilateral relations,” Vucic said.

He also mentioned a concert and dinner hosted by President Putin for all guests and expressed hope that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico would be able to attend.

“I’m curious to see whether Fico will manage to reach Moscow—he’s still hoping to come. It would be easier for me not to be the only European president here, but I’m proud to be in Moscow. I hope we can meet and discuss cooperation,” he said.

Asked about his expectations from the meeting with President Putin and how he responds to reactions to his visit, Vucic said there will be many reactions today, especially since EU ministers are having a summit in Warsaw.

“I am proud because I never lied to anyone. I spoke truthfully—even in my telephone conversation with Putin. I made a promise then, and a promise is not something made lightly in a café—it is a commitment to be honored, especially in difficult times. If you give someone your word, it is your duty to fulfill it. I almost wasn't able to come—but through no fault of my own. I am fighting for Serbia’s interests and trying to achieve the best possible outcomes for a small country. We often behave like a global power—like China or Russia—and we expect such results from our leaders. I will have important talks with EU officials afterward. I know how it will go—when two or three leaders from war-affected regions speak out against me. But if they think I’ll remain silent while being attacked, I won’t. I’ll speak my mind and say everything I think about their political treatment of Serbia. We will stay on the EU path, and if someone has to pay the price, it will be me,” Vucic said.

He added that one of the key topics with President Putin will be energy, particularly Serbia’s long-term gas contract. Thanks to Russia and Russian gas, Serbia is achieving significant savings.

“One of the main topics will be energy and our long-term gas contract. Today, the market price of gas has dropped from $410 to $400 per 1,000 cubic meters, and we are paying $275. That’s a difference of $125 per 1,000 cubic meters. On a million cubic meters, that’s $125,000 saved. Add that up—there are days we save four or five million. That’s €365 million saved in less than a year. With that money, we could pay nearly 75% of our pensions. We are saving huge amounts, and I thank Russia for its willingness to help. We are here to do something for the people of Serbia—and, of course, to celebrate the victory over fascism. We are one of the few nations that can take pride in having fought from the very beginning of World War II,” he said.

When asked how he was feeling, Vucic admitted he had not yet regained his full strength but expressed optimism.

“I hope this doesn’t dampen my ambition and energy. I feel a bit drained at the moment, but I believe things will improve in the coming weeks. My job is to fight for the people of Serbia, and I will continue to do so because I still have more energy than many in better physical shape. I won’t give up. Tonight will be interesting—I have a sleepless night ahead of me as I prepare for serious talks with Putin and Xi. Having long meetings in a single day with two of the three world powers... Tomorrow morning will be nice weather, and we’ll be at the Kremlin by 8:30 a.m. (7:30 a.m. Serbian time). The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. Serbian time, followed by meetings. I’ll comment on everything afterward,” Vucic stated.

He concluded by saying that although many wish to "cut him down," he feels free and dignified standing in front of the Danilov Monastery in Moscow.

“That speaks to the differences between us—our programs, our plans. My job is to work for Serbia. And if their job is to kill—albeit metaphorically—then that clearly marks the dividing line between us. That’s why I’m calling on our citizens to join us in Niš on the 16th, 17th, or 18th and show what kind of decent Serbia we want,” Vucic concluded.