Putin Allies in Europe Abruptly Fall Ill Ahead of Moscow Victory Day Visit
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Two European allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin have fallen ill, according to reports, days before they were set to attend a Victory Day parade in Moscow.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have had their trips to Russia questioned amid reported health scares.
The Victory Day parade, set to occur on May 9, celebrates the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany. This year marks 80 years since the end of World War II.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, left, in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 16; Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, right, in Bratislava, Slovakia, on April 28; with an inset of Russian service members marching toward the Red Square… Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, left, in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 16; Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, right, in Bratislava, Slovakia, on April 28; with an inset of Russian service members marching toward the Red Square prior to the Victory Day military parade rehearsal in Moscow on May 3.
Left: Darko Vojinovic, Right: Vaclav Salek, Inset: Pavel Bednyakov/Left: AP Photo, Right: CTK via AP Images, Inset: AP Photo
Why It Matters
The Victory Day parade in Moscow has grown over the years from a celebration of victory over Nazi Germany into a day to uphold Russian patriotism. It has also expanded since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, particularly as Russian media portrays Ukrainians as Nazis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he cannot guarantee the safety of world leaders attending the event, creating speculation over whether Ukraine is planning a counteroffensive on the day.
What To Know
Vucic announced his sickness when he had to cut short his visit to the United States.
The Serbian president consulted with doctors while in the U.S. who advised him to return to Belgrade, The Moscow Times reported.
Cardiologist Dragan Dinčić from the Military Medical Academy told Russian outlet RBC that the president experienced chest pain related to his blood pressure.
He was supposed to meet with several high-profile Republicans during his visit, and his trip to Moscow is still in question.
After Vucic reported his illness, U.S. special presidential envoy Richard Grenell wished him well on X, formerly Twitter: “Sending our best, @avucic. Sorry to miss you but hope all is ok.”
Fico, on the other hand, has rejected media reports that he is unwell. Slovak media began questioning his health after he canceled a week’s worth of events and appearances. Fico has said he is not changing his plans to visit Moscow on May 9 for the parade.
A fellow member of Fico’s party, Jan Richter, told the press that the parade was “for the memory of the Great Patriotic War.”
He added that the prime minister’s choice to remove himself from other plans may be due to the psychological effects of surviving an assassination attempt on May 15, 2024.
Fico is the only leader of an EU state planning to attend the parade. However, Vucic has been working to obtain EU membership for Serbia.
Russian tanks rolling during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade at the Palace Square in St. Petersburg, Russia, on May 3. Russian tanks rolling during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade at the Palace Square in St. Petersburg, Russia, on May 3. Dmitri Lovetsky/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
Slovak politician Jan Richter told Aktuality: “The visit to Moscow is not connected with the war between Russia and Ukraine but with respect for the memory of the Great Patriotic War.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, per Ukrainian media: “We cannot be responsible for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation. They provide you with safety and so we will not give you any guarantees.”
What Happens Next
The parade is set to take place on May 9. Other dignitaries expected to attend include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
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