Putin to Attend Serbian Military Parade, Media Report

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic smiles as Russian President Vladimir Putin toasts with a WWII veteran during a reception to mark the 73rd anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, Moscow, Russia, May 09, 2018. Photo: EPA-EFE/ALEXEY NIKOLSKY/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN

Russian President Vladimir Putin will fly into Belgrade in November to join Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Serbian military parade marking the centenary of the signing of the armistice treaty that ended WWI, Serbian daily Vecernje Novosti reported on Thursday evening. 

According to the report, the grandiose military parade, to take place on November 11, will include a display of Serbia's newest weapons, which include 100 tanks as well as short and medium anti-aircraft systems ordered from Belarus and numerous armoured combat vehicles.

"At the ceremony, which has not been seen before in our country, the Army of Serbia will show all its firepower," Vecernje novosti quoted a senior Serbian Army source as saying.

The report added that Putin's visit comes at a significant time given the situation between Serbia and Kosovo.

The report also speculated that Putin's presence could "reinforce Serbia's position in the Kosovo negotiations."

On May 9, Serbia's President attended the annual Victory Parade in Moscow.

"I was happy that I could represent our small country and be honoured in a magnificent way in Moscow and Russia," Vucic said of his attendance, Serbian news agency Tanjug reported at the time. 

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