Russia to send humanitarian aid to Serbia

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia will send humanitarian aid to Serbia to help the country curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Kremlin announced on Thursday.

In a statement, the Kremlin said the decision was made during the phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Serbian counterpart Alexandar Vucic held earlier today.

"[The two leaders] discussed measures, taken in both countries to combat the coronavirus pandemic, as well as opportunities for practical cooperation in this area. In the spirit of traditionally friendly Russian-Serbian relations, it was agreed to provide humanitarian assistance to Serbia in order to counter the spread of the infection," the statement said.

The Russian Defense Ministry will send military virologists and other specialists along with the medical equipment and necessary supplies.

Serbia is the third country, where Russia sends its humanitarian aid. Currently, Russia's Defense Ministry specialists are working in Italy. A plane carrying humanitarian assistance was also dispatched to the U.S.

Since appearing in Wuhan, China, last December, the coronavirus has spread to at least 180 countries and regions, according to figures compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

The data shows almost 963,000 cases have been reported worldwide, with the death toll above 49,100 and nearly 203,000 recoveries.