Serbia defies Russia to hold military drills with American forces

US and Serbian army paratroopers jump from a US Air Force transport aircraft at Lisicji Jarak Airport (AP)

American and Serbian paratroopers have held joint exercises in Serbia, watched with unease by Russia which is trying to increase its influence in the Balkans.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attended the last day of the four-day drills that included joint jumps by Serbian and US troops from two US Air Force C-130J Hercules transport planes close to the Serbian capital, Belgrade.