Serbian defense minister tests positive for COVID-19

The Serbian government says Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Defense Ministry says in a statement issued on Saturday that Vulin has no symptoms of the virus and feels well.

Vulin, known for his highly pro-Russian stance, was part of Serbia's delegation led by President Aleksandar Vucic that attended a Victory Day parade this week in Moscow. Vucic met face to face with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but it was not clear whether Vulin did so.

Maja Gojkovic, the speaker of Serbia's parliament, also tested positive, according to the state Tanjug news agency on Saturday.

Serbia has seen a spike in coronavirus cases since lifting strict lockdown measures in May, allowing large gatherings without necessary social distancing or masks.

Vucic has announced he will reintroduce the strict measures if the spike continues. Serbia has so far registered more than 13,500 cases and 265 deaths from COVID-19.

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