Serbia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Belgrade expressed hope that its gas supply agreement with Moscow will be extended. Serbia relies heavily on Russian gas, and the current arrangement faces pressure amid the war in Ukraine and EU sanctions that complicate energy ties with Russia.

Crowds of thousands lined the streets of Kragujevac, Serbia, to welcome a group of students arriving by bicycle, days before the country's October 25 election. The cycling students have become a focal point of public attention in the final stretch of the campaign, with the warm reception in the city drawing wide coverage in local and international media.