Kosachev comments on Vucic's arrival in Moscow: A political step that Russia will appreciate

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The arrival of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations, despite all the pressure he suffered because of it, is a political step that Russia will appreciate and confirmation that there are values that deeply and permanently connect us, Deputy President of the Russian Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev said today.

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Speaking about the meeting between the presidents of Russia and Serbia, Kosachev said that they certainly have a lot to talk about, bearing in mind the situation in the Balkans and the broader European context.

"I would not speculate on specific agreements because this is not an official visit, but a meeting as part of a celebration. However, the opportunity to discuss the most important topics face to face in today's circumstances has an exceptional value. Such dialogue cannot be replaced by any telephone call or press release. That is why this meeting will be carefully prepared and will certainly have political weight," Kosachev told the Belgrade daily Politika.

Kosachev pointed out that Victory Day is the most important holiday for all peoples of Russia, as well as the republics of the former Soviet Union.

"In the Second World War, they fought for the bare right to survive. Unlike many Western European nations, which continued to exist under occupation, our nations had to face Hamlet's question - to be or not to be. We paid a huge price, according to historians, the total loss of population in Russia was as high as 31 million in both world wars, while the US lost about 521,000 people. On the Soviet front, 606 German divisions were defeated, while a total of 176 were defeated on all other fronts," said Kosachev.

The Russian official added that when a European refuses to celebrate victory with those who won it, it clearly shows that Hitler's defeat is still painful for them.

Vucic arrived at the Vnukovo airport in Moscow yesterday, where he was given a ceremonial welcome, including a guard of honor, and was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Aleksandr Grushko.

The president traveled via Bulgaria, Turkey and Azerbaijan, after Latvia and Lithuania refused to let a Serbian government plane use their airspace.

Victory Day is being celebrated in Moscow tomorrow, May9, to mark the day in 1945 when the Second World War ended with capitulation of Nazi Germany.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)