Why Serbia's pro-government media avoid discussing Zelenskyy's visit: 'They skip what bothers the authorities'

Despite being one of the most significant diplomatic visits in recent times, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade has been conspicuously downplayed by pro-government media in Serbia. While international news agencies reported extensively on the encounter, Serbian outlets aligned with the ruling party have largely avoided detailed coverage, focusing instead on Vučić's other engagements.

International media framed Zelenskyy's visit to Serbia, a country historically considered a Russian ally, as a potentially pivotal moment. However, during a joint press conference, Vučić offered a neutral response when asked about the Russian invasion, stating, "Our entire nation would like to see an end to this war as soon as possible. But if you ask me, as a political veteran, I can only tell you that I am not sure about that. I am very afraid that we will have another difficult winter."

In stark contrast to global coverage, Serbian pro-government media outlets like TV Informer prioritized reporting on Vučić's attendance at a large public gathering in Belegiš shortly after Zelenskyy's departure. Headlines highlighted his arrival by "carriage" and his statements about the "evil" inflicted upon Serbia and the importance of not "playing with the fate of the country." One report briefly mentioned the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Vučić and Zelenskyy, but this was overshadowed by other content.

Vesna Mališić, editor-in-chief of the weekly Radar, commented on this selective reporting, suggesting it's a tactic employed by the authorities. "It is one of those events that had to happen, and it would have been better if it hadn't – the timing is not good for the president," she stated. "For everything that bothers the authorities, they skip it. That is the kind of selection they think benefits them." While Moscow has yet to officially react, some Russian media speculate that Vučić's meeting with Zelenskyy signals loyalty to Brussels, with increased support for Kyiv expected before the elections. However, Vučić himself expressed reservations about Serbia's EU membership timeline, citing numerous political reasons, while Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's urgent need for a clear future due to its ongoing war.