{
  "id": 6432620,
  "title": "Russia-friendly Serbian president dissolves parliament in a bid to stay in power",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/russia-friendly-serbian-president-dissolves-parliament-in-a-bid-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T14:13:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Independent",
    "slug": "kyiv-independent",
    "url": "https://kyivindependent.com/russia-friendly-serbian-president-dissolves-parliament-in-a-bid-to-remain-in-power/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 9, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dissolved the country's parliament and announced a snap legislative election for the following month. This move comes amidst an apparent warming of relations between Serbia and Ukraine. Despite Serbia's long-standing ties to Russia, a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Serbia in August marked an effort to improve diplomatic ties.\n\nVucic had previously stated his intention to step down as president in June. However, the dissolution of parliament was in response to ongoing anti-corruption protests that began two years ago following the collapse of a railway station awning in Novi Sad, which resulted in 16 deaths. On September 5, the ruling Serbian Progressive Party nominated Vucic as the prime minister if the party wins the upcoming parliamentary election.\n\nAnalysts suggest that Vucic would effectively remain the most powerful figure in Serbia if he assumes the position of prime minister. During Zelensky's visit to Serbia in August, the Ukrainian leader became the first head of state to make an official trip to the country. Moreover, Serbia reportedly supplied arms to Ukraine indirectly, with Serbian-made ammunition reportedly reaching the nation through third countries. This development was confirmed by sources familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity to the Kyiv Independent.\n\nDuring their meeting, Vucic disclosed plans to establish a drone factory in Serbia in collaboration with Israeli partners, set to commence operations in September. Although no official defense agreement between Serbia and Ukraine was disclosed during Zelensky's visit, the Serbian leader invited the Ukrainian president to attend the drone factory's inauguration. This gesture signaled a potential shift in Serbia-Ukraine cooperation, as Vucic sought to align Serbia with Europe's stance on Ukraine. The visit can also be viewed as an attempt by Vucic to demonstrate his alignment with Europe's approach towards Ukraine, as Belgrade faces challenges in advancing its EU accession process.",
  "summary": "The announcement comes amid an apparent rapprochement between Serbia and Ukraine.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}