BELGRADE, Serbia — President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia was forced to cut his visit to the United States short and return home due to sudden chest pain related to high blood pressure, medical professionals reported on Saturday.
The 55-year-old leader became unwell during a meeting in the U.S. on Friday. Despite the recommendations from American doctors to remain there, Vucic opted to fly back to Serbia, according to cardiologist Dragan Dincic from the Military Hospital in Belgrade, where Vucic received medical attention upon his arrival.
Dincic indicated that Vucic had undertaken additional therapy following the episode and is currently in a “stable and satisfactory condition.” The doctor mentioned that Vucic will not require hospitalization but will need a few days before resuming his typical responsibilities.
Prior to his health scare, Vucic was in Miami, Florida, where he met with Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City. Vucic had also expressed interest in meeting U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit. Richard Grenell, the U.S. presidential envoy for special missions, conveyed his best wishes for Vucic’s recovery, expressing his regret at their missed meeting through a message on the social media platform X.
Additionally, Vucic plans to visit Russia later this month to attend a Victory Day parade in Moscow. This decision comes despite warnings from European Union officials, who have cautioned that such actions could negatively impact Serbia’s efforts to join the union.
Vucic has been steadfast in his decision not to impose Western sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, a stance that has prompted criticism. Domestically, he is facing significant pressure due to ongoing anti-corruption demonstrations that began after a tragic incident where a roof collapse at a train station in the northern region of Serbia resulted in 16 fatalities.