Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to make his first official visit to Serbia on Saturday, marking a significant diplomatic trip to one of the few European countries that has maintained friendly relations with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s office announced the visit, although Zelenskyy’s office had not formally confirmed the trip as of Friday.
The meeting comes as Serbia attempts to balance its longstanding relationship with Moscow with its ambitions to join the European Union. Belgrade has repeatedly refused to join international sanctions against Russia, citing historic ties between the two countries, and remains heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies.
At the same time, Serbia has provided aid to Ukraine, pledged assistance with postwar reconstruction and increased diplomatic engagement with Kyiv. Vucic has also travelled to Ukraine twice for summits focused on European support for Kyiv.
Russia has previously accused Serbia of allowing arms to reach Ukraine through NATO countries, describing the alleged exports as a “stab in the back.”
Ahead of Zelenskyy’s visit, Vucic said the two leaders would discuss cooperation in several areas as well as their countries’ respective paths toward EU membership. However, he stressed that Serbia’s position on sanctions against Moscow remains unchanged.
“As far as sanctions are concerned, let me tell you directly: Serbia has established its policy,” Vucic said, adding that the position would remain in place “for the time being.”
Serbia’s EU accession process has faced obstacles partly because of its relationship with Moscow and concerns over democratic standards.
Political observers say the meeting could offer benefits to both leaders. Zelenskyy can demonstrate Ukraine’s growing engagement with countries traditionally close to Moscow, while Vucic can signal to Brussels that Serbia remains willing to cooperate with Kyiv despite refusing to sanction Russia.
The visit also comes amid domestic pressure on Vucic following months of youth-led protests sparked by the November 2024 train station disaster that killed 16 people.
Vucic and Zelenskyy have met several times since Russia launched its invasion in 2022. While the Serbian president has participated in international meetings supporting Ukraine, he has repeatedly declined to endorse declarations calling for tougher sanctions against Moscow.
