Vladimir Putin Congratulated Aleksandar Vučić on the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Belgrade

On October 18, Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, congratulated Aleksandar Vučić, his Serbian counterpart, on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade from Nazi invaders.

“Thousands of Soviet soldiers who gave their lives in the fight against Nazism rest on Serbian territory. We highly appreciate the respect and care of the Serbian authorities and people in preserving their memory,” reads the congratulatory telegram published by the Serbian leader's press service.

The Russian President also wished health and success to Aleksandar Vučić and well-being and prosperity to the Serbian people.

Belgrade was liberated from the Nazi invaders on October 20, 1944. As a result of the Belgrade strategic offensive operation, the fascist Army Group “Serbia” was defeated, which caused serious damage to other units of the German Army Group “F”. In the battles for Belgrade, more than 4 thousand Red Army soldiers and 3 thousand Yugoslav soldiers were killed, while the enemy's losses amounted to about 45 thousand people.

On October 20, numerous commemorative events are planned in the Serbian capital with the participation of Serbian authorities and high-ranking guests from Russia. Representatives of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly will also take part in the events. In particular, a scientific conference will take place with the participation of Russian and Serbian experts on the liberation of Belgrade and Serbia during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, as well as the Immortal Regiment procession.

Since 2013, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia has been an observer in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.