Putin, Vucic review Russia-Serbia partnership in phone call

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic discussed bilateral ties, Serbia’s upcoming parliamentary elections and international issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, during a phone call initiated by the Serbian side, the Kremlin said.

Vucic congratulated Putin on what the Kremlin described as the successful conduct of Russia’s State Duma elections. The two leaders also reviewed prospects for further developing the Russian-Serbian strategic partnership, with energy, the oil and gas sector, transport and healthcare among the areas discussed.

The Serbian president expressed gratitude for Russia’s broader support for Serbia and separately thanked Moscow for its assistance in combating forest fires.

Vucic also updated Putin on preparations for Serbia’s early parliamentary elections. The Kremlin said the two sides emphasised that external interference in the electoral process was unacceptable.

The conversation also covered broader international developments, including the war in Ukraine. Putin and Vucic agreed on the need to preserve the Dayton architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Russia’s State Duma election concluded on September 20, with the ruling United Russia party securing 355 of the parliament’s 450 seats, according to official results.

By Tamilla Hasanova