Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded a two-day visit in Belgrade by announcing plans to deepen economic cooperation between their nations. The visit, which ended on Saturday, marked Zelenskyy’s first to Serbia since taking office in 2019, though the two leaders have held multiple meetings previously, including a gathering in Kyiv on July 15.
A central focus of the discussions was advancing a bilateral free trade agreement that has remained unresolved for more than two decades. Both countries committed to completing negotiations on the accord by year-end. The pact holds strategic importance for Serbia’s pursuit of World Trade Organization membership and European Union accession. Ukraine has previously blocked progress on the deal since 2005 due to disagreements over agricultural quotas and tariffs.
Vucic reaffirmed Serbia’s backing for Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations and pledged continued support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity regarding lands occupied by Russia since 2014. He also announced that Serbia would contribute to reconstruction efforts in Ukrainian cities damaged by the Russian invasion. Zelenskyy highlighted discussions on joint infrastructure initiatives and cooperation regarding energy and food security ahead of the winter season.
The two nations signed additional agreements, including a memorandum on animal health and food safety standards. Serbia committed 2 million euros in support for Ukraine’s energy sector. Zelenskyy noted plans to explore economic and logistics projects involving the Danube Corridor and connections between Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and the European Union.
While the leaders emphasized strengthening ties, certain geopolitical differences remain. Serbia has declined to join Western sanctions against Russia, citing its energy dependence on Moscow, though it condemned Russia’s 2022 invasion. Ukraine has not recognized Kosovo’s 2008 independence declaration, which Serbia views as its territory. Vucic expressed skepticism about rapid EU membership prospects for either nation and warned that the conflict in Ukraine was unlikely to conclude soon.
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