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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Serbia on his first official visit to the country since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in a move seen as significant given Belgrade’s traditionally close ties with Moscow.
During the visit, Zelenskyy is expected to discuss strengthening bilateral relations as well as expanding security and economic cooperation with Serbian officials.
The Serbian presidency said Zelenskyy will hold formal talks with President Aleksandar Vučić at the Presidential Palace. The two leaders are also scheduled to address a joint press conference after their meeting.
A senior Ukrainian official said one of the key objectives of Zelenskyy’s visit is to encourage Serbia to move further away from Russian influence and deepen ties between Belgrade and Kyiv.
However, Vučić has reiterated that Serbia has no plans to join Western sanctions against Russia. He said Belgrade’s position remains unchanged and that the country will continue its current policy.
Although Serbia has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has not imposed economic or diplomatic sanctions on Moscow.
Belgrade’s position has complicated its efforts to join the European Union, while also drawing criticism from Western countries.
