Zelensky in Serbia: What Ukraine wants, and what Belgrade gains

President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Serbia, the first by a Ukrainian head of state since 2018, marks a potential new chapter in relations between the two nations. However, it also raises questions about the objectives of each side. While Serbia is one of the few European countries that has not imposed sanctions on Russia, it remains heavily dependent on Moscow for energy supplies.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic stated that the visit's purpose is not to discuss military cooperation, but what comes after the war will be another matter. For Zelensky, the visit is a blow to Russia, as Serbia is seen as part of Moscow's sphere of influence. For Vucic, it is an attempt to align with Europe's stance towards Ukraine while securing progress in Serbia's EU accession talks.

Despite Serbia and Ukraine's mutual respect for territorial integrity, Zelensky's remarks have sparked criticism in various countries, including criticism in Pristina and Tirana, and within Ukraine itself. The significance of Zelensky's visit may lie in Serbia's opening of a drone factory with Israeli partners in September. Serbia, a candidate country for EU membership since 2012, has one of the more substantial defense industries in Southeast Europe.

The new factory will be a joint venture between Israeli defense group Elbit Systems and Serbia's Yugoimport SDPR. This development could significantly impact Serbia's balancing act between Moscow and the West, as Serbia's arms industry could provide Ukraine with Soviet-style ammunition.