Zelensky arrives in Serbia for talks with the country's leadership
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on a visit to Serbia on Friday, August 7. Talks with the country's leadership are scheduled for August 7 and 8.
The Ukrainian side has not yet disclosed the detailed program of the visit and the list of scheduled meetings.
The talks are expected to focus on bilateral relations between Ukraine and Serbia. In recent months, Kyiv and Belgrade have intensified contacts, including discussing the development of economic cooperation and the possibility of resuming negotiations on a free trade zone. In May, Zelensky and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić spoke about the potential for strengthening relations between the countries.
The current visit was preceded by a meeting between Zelensky and Vučić in Kyiv on July 15 at the Ukraine–Southeast Europe summit. At that time, the parties discussed bilateral relations and the international agenda. Serbia also declared its readiness to continue financial, medical, energy and other humanitarian support for Ukraine.
However, the positions of Kyiv and Belgrade regarding Russia differ significantly. Serbia supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and has condemned the Russian invasion, but has not joined Western sanctions against the Russian Federation. Ahead of the current visit, Vučić stated once again that Belgrade has no intention of changing this policy for now.
Serbia and Ukraine are simultaneously candidates for accession to the European Union. The issue of European integration has also been part of the negotiation agenda for the leadership of the two countries. In July, Vučić stated that he does not expect rapid EU enlargement, although Belgrade continues on its European path.
Zelensky's trip to Serbia was planned as early as May 2026, but the visit was then postponed to other dates. Instead of the president, a representative of the Ukrainian government was sent to Belgrade to prepare bilateral agreements.
According to: Volodymyr Zelensky, Office of the President of Ukraine
