Belgrade marks 80th anniversary of liberation: Vucic lays wreath, Putin sends message

Belgrade is commemorating the 80th anniversary of its liberation during World War II, marking the end of the city's 1,287 days under German occupation. On October 20, 1944, after days of intense fighting, the city was freed by the combined efforts of the Yugoslav Partisan forces (NOVJ), the Soviet Red Army, and local civilians.

In the fierce battles for the city, nearly 3,000 Yugoslav fighters and around 1,000 Soviet soldiers lost their lives, while the German forces suffered approximately 15,000 casualties and saw 9,000 soldiers captured. The city itself was left in ruins due to extensive bombing by both Axis and Allied forces throughout the war.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic marked the occasion by laying a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Hero on Avala early this morning. He was accompanied by Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic. Vucic will also attend the opening of an exhibition titled "Military Diplomacy on the Path to Freedom" at the Presidency building.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Vucic, emphasizing the shared history of the Serbian and Russian peoples in fighting common enemies. He called the liberation of Belgrade a "glorious chapter" in their joint history and praised the strong ties of brotherly friendship between the two nations.

Putin also acknowledged the thousands of Soviet soldiers who died in Serbia during World War II, thanking the Serbian authorities and citizens for preserving their memory.

The anniversary serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the long-standing bond between Serbia and Russia.