Ukraine’s Zelensky makes first visit to Russia-friendly Serbia

Ukrainian President Zelensky inaugurated his first visit to Serbia on Saturday, discussing potential cooperation with Serbian President Vučić. The talks took place in Belgrade, marking Zelensky's maiden visit to the Serbian capital. The agenda included the future paths of both nations towards EU membership. Military cooperation with Kyiv was not a topic of discussion, as emphasized by Vučić during a joint press conference.

Serbian officials denied reports of a collaboration with Ukraine on drone manufacturing, but confirmed intentions for such cooperation with Israel. Both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in agriculture and food safety. Additionally, a free-trade agreement is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, according to Zelensky.

Serbian President Vučić expressed gratitude for Ukraine's humanitarian support to Serbia's medical and energy sectors during the full-scale Russian invasion that began in February 2022. Vučić stressed Serbia's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, hinting at Kosovo's independence from Serbia in 2008. Most EU members recognize Kosovo's secession, but Serbia and Ukraine do not.

Zelensky visited Serbia, one of the few European nations maintaining friendly relations with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine. Vučić seeks to balance Serbia's long-standing ties with Russia against pressure to align its foreign policy with the EU. Serbia relies heavily on Russia for its energy supplies and has refused to impose sanctions on Russia over Ukraine.

Serbia is in the process of joining the EU, but progress is hindered by Belgrade's policies towards Moscow. Russia accused Serbia of exporting arms to Ukraine through NATO member states, calling it a "stab in the back". Serbia has offered to help rebuild Ukraine post-war. Ahead of the visit, Vučić reiterated Serbia's stance on Russia sanctions, stating that Serbia has set its policy.

Both leaders aim to capitalize on the visit for political gains, with Zelensky taking over key Balkan allies from Russia, and Vučić signaling his alignment with the EU's position on the war.