Zelensky in Belgrade for Meeting with Vučić: Kyiv Aims to Draw Serbia Away from Russian Camp

Volodymyr Zelensky is making his first official visit to Serbia, a country traditionally considered an ally of Russia. The Ukrainian president said he would discuss economic and security issues with his Serbian counterpart.

During his stay in Belgrade, Zelensky will also hold talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Djuro Macut, which he described as “important.”

The Ukrainian president was welcomed at Belgrade airport by Energy Minister Dubravka Džeković Handanović. Later that evening, he had dinner with Vučić.

The Serbian president said on social media that he believed the visit would help improve relations between Serbia and Ukraine, as well as deepen cooperation in “areas of mutual interest.”

Official talks between the two presidents are scheduled to take place today, Saturday, at the presidential palace. Following the meeting, they are expected to make statements to the media, according to an announcement from the Serbian presidency.

A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Thursday, said Kyiv’s goal was “to draw the Serbs out of Russia’s camp.” He described Zelensky’s trip to Serbia as a “slap in the face” for the Russians.

However, Vučić reaffirmed Belgrade’s course. Serbia depends heavily on Russia for its energy supplies and has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow. “Russia set out its position four and a half, almost five years ago and has not changed it since,” he said, adding that this position “will remain the same until further notice.”