Introduction: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s recent hospitalization has sparked global attention, coming on the heels of a curtailed U.S. visit and amid escalating domestic protests. This article delves into the details of his health crisis, the political unrest in Serbia, and the geopolitical tightrope he walks with a planned trip to Russia.
Vucic’s Health Crisis and Abrupt Return from the U.S.
On May 3, 2025, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was admitted to the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade immediately after returning from the United States, where he experienced severe chest pain attributed to high blood pressure AP News. The 55-year-old leader, who has a history of cardiovascular issues from a 2019 hospitalization, cut short his trip after consulting doctors in Florida DW. Vucic had been in Miami, meeting figures like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and had hoped to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, though no meeting occurred Reuters.
According to cardiologist Dr. Dragan Dincic, Vucic’s condition is now stable, and he is expected to refrain from regular activities for several days AP News. This health scare raises questions about his ability to travel to Moscow for Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, a commitment he made to Russian President Vladimir Putin Defense News.
Domestic Protests Intensify in Serbia
Vucic’s hospitalization coincides with a growing anti-government protest movement, sparked by a tragic roof collapse at a train station in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which killed 16 people Euronews. The incident, widely blamed on government corruption and negligence, has fueled student-led demonstrations across Serbia, with a massive rally in Belgrade on March 15, 2025, marking one of the largest protests in decades Euronews. Protesters demand accountability and have called for Vucic’s resignation, accusing his administration of stifling democratic freedoms and manipulating state institutions Jerusalem Post.
Vucic has dismissed the protests as Western-orchestrated attempts at a “color revolution,” a claim echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin after a March 7, 2025, phone call Reuters. Despite the unrest, Vucic remains defiant, supported by loyalists, including former paramilitary fighters camping outside his headquarters Euronews.
Geopolitical Balancing Act: Russia, the EU, and the U.S.
Vucic’s planned attendance at Russia’s Victory Day parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, has drawn scrutiny from the European Union, which Serbia aspires to join Defense News. EU officials, including High Representative Kaja Kallas, have warned that attending the Moscow event could be seen as endorsing Russia’s war in Ukraine, potentially jeopardizing Serbia’s EU candidacy Defense News. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also noted that Kyiv would not guarantee the safety of foreign leaders in Russia AFP.
Meanwhile, Vucic has cultivated ties with the U.S., particularly with the Trump administration. He met Donald Trump Jr. in Belgrade on March 11, 2025, discussing economic and political cooperation, including a controversial Trump International Hotel project New York Times. Vucic’s support for Trump during the U.S. election and his offer to host a Trump-Putin summit underscore his strategic alignment with Washington Kyiv Independent.
Historical Context: Serbia’s Ancient Craftsmanship
Serbia boasts a rich history, exemplified by the discovery of the Areni-1 shoe, the world’s oldest known footwear, dating to 3500 BCE. Found in a cave, this artifact highlights the region’s ancient ingenuity, a stark contrast to the modern political challenges Vucic faces.
Conclusion
Aleksandar Vucic’s hospitalization marks a critical juncture for Serbia, as the president navigates health concerns, domestic unrest, and complex international relations. With protests intensifying and a controversial Russia visit looming, Vucic’s leadership faces unprecedented challenges. As Serbia balances its EU aspirations with ties to Russia and the U.S., the coming weeks will be pivotal for its political future.
Author: Planet-Today.com
Aleksandar Vucic | Serbia Protests | Donald Trump | Russia Victory Day | Novi Sad Accident