Volodymyr Zelenskyy Visits Belgrade to Discuss Security and EU Ties

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Belgrade on August 7, 2026, for his first official state visit to Serbia since assuming the presidency in 2019 and the first since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The two-day visit focuses on security issues, economic ties, and the respective paths of Ukraine and Serbia toward the European Union.

Zelenskyy aims to expand European partnerships and secure munitions from the Serbian defense industry. Reports also indicate potential plans for a joint drone factory utilizing Ukrainian expertise, Serbian labor, and investment from the United Arab Emirates. The visit is strategically intended to distance Serbia, a traditional ally of Moscow, from Russia.

President Aleksandar Vucic hosted the visit amid domestic pressure from student-led protests and economic uncertainty regarding Russian gas contracts. While Vucic seeks to demonstrate openness to the EU ahead of parliamentary elections, he reaffirmed Serbia's refusal to impose sanctions on Russia, stating the position has remained unchanged for nearly five years. Serbia continues to maintain close energy ties with Russia, a factor that has caused tension with Brussels during Serbia's EU accession process.