RUSSIA-SERBIA-EU-DIPLOMACY

Russian President Vladimir Putin (c) and his Serbian counterpart Tomislav Nikolic (3rd R) watch a military parade in the Serbian capital Belgrade, on October 16, 2014 in Belgrade. Putin was expected to secure Russian interests in Serbia, its traditional ally but also an EU aspirant, as Belgrade is staging its first military parade in 30 years to mark the 70th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation -- an event brought forward by four days to coincide with the visit by the Kremlin strongman. More than 3,000 soldiers will take part in the military parade, which will also feature a Russian aerobatics display. AFP PHOTO / VASILY MAXIMOV (Photo credit should read VASILY MAXIMOV/AFP via Getty Images)