Zelensky begins first official visit to Serbia, says 'Ukraine is always ready to work constructively'

President Volodymyr Zelensky commenced his inaugural official visit to Serbia on August 7, 2026, in the Belgrade capital. The visit is considered significant due to Serbia's historically close relationship with Russia. During his two-day stay, Zelensky aims to explore avenues for bolstering economic ties, fostering EU relations, addressing other mutually beneficial areas, and tackling security concerns.

In a post-arrival statement, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's commitment to constructive engagement grounded in mutual respect.

The two-day itinerary involves meetings with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Dušan Makul. Zelensky confirmed that discussions with Vucic had already commenced on the evening of August 7. While Serbia has traditionally leaned towards Russia, the nation has endeavored to maintain a balanced diplomatic stance amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russia, Serbia's key diplomatic ally, had provided the Balkan nation with natural gas. However, Serbia is believed to have indirectly supplied arms to Ukraine, a claim Vucic denied in May 2025. It's noteworthy that Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, SVR, had previously accused Serbia's defense industry of attempting to "shoot Russia in the back."

Serbian President Vucic paid his maiden official visit to Ukraine in June 2025 during the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit in Odesa. Unlike his counterparts, Vucic did not endorse a joint declaration that condemned Russia's unlawful aggression, advocated for a full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, or reaffirmed support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.