Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic visited Moscow on May 9 to attend commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. During the visit, Vucic met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who presented him with a series of symbolic gifts—a gesture that drew attention from European media.
The gifts from Putin included:
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A weapon set featuring a Shpagin submachine gun (PPSh), a bayonet knife, and a military-style flask
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A collection of Russian wines from the “Abrau-Durso” brand
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A commemorative “Pobeda-80” wristwatch, part of a limited-edition series of only 80 timepieces made in St. Petersburg to honor the wartime victory
The visit underscored continued friendly ties between Serbia and Russia, despite broader geopolitical tensions between Moscow and the European Union. Media across the EU closely tracked Vucic’s presence at the event and the items he received, interpreting the exchange as a symbolic reinforcement of political alignment.
