Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Serbia on August 7 for his first official visit to the country since taking office [1, 2, 3, 4]. During the visit, Zelenskiy is focusing on expanding economic ties, discussing relations with the European Union, security matters, and energy cooperation between the two countries [1, 2, 3, 4].
Zelenskiy held talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Duro Macut, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation [2, 4]. "We will be speaking about expanding economic ties between our countries, relations with the European Union, and other things that can work for our peoples, as well as security issues," Zelenskiy said ahead of the visit [1]. He added that important talks were planned over two days to find practical opportunities for mutual benefit [2]. Vucic underscored the agenda by saying, "We have several important issues to discuss. One is Ukraine's and Serbia's path toward Europe; the second is our bilateral and energy cooperation" [3].
Serbia has been an official candidate for EU membership since 2012 and formally opened accession negotiations in 2014, though progress has slowed due to the country’s close ties with Russia and reluctance to impose sanctions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict [2, 4]. Despite the war, Serbia maintains traditional friendly relations with Russia [2, 3]. President Vucic, who has ruled Serbia for 14 years, is trying to balance relationships with both Moscow and Brussels amid upcoming parliamentary elections and rising domestic opposition [3].
Although Serbia officially maintains neutrality, reports indicate that large quantities of Serbian artillery shells have been delivered to Ukraine through intermediaries [3]. Zelenskiy previously met Vucic in Kyiv on July 15 before this official visit [3]. Last month, Vucic traveled to Kyiv for the fifth Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit but did not sign a declaration condemning Russia [4]. Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska visited Belgrade two years ago in 2024 [3].
Zelenskiy reiterated, "We will discuss expanding economic ties between our countries, relations with the European Union, other areas that can benefit our nations, and security issues. Ukraine is always ready to work constructively, for mutual benefit, and on the basis of mutual respect" [4]. The talks are ongoing, with further discussions planned over the coming days.
