Zelenskyy to visit Belgrade for first official talks with Vučić

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to make his first official visit to Belgrade on Saturday, August 8, according to an announcement from the office of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. While specific details of the visit were not disclosed, Vučić indicated that the leaders would address "several topics."

Vučić outlined three primary areas for discussion: the European integration paths of both Ukraine and Serbia, bilateral economic cooperation, and energy cooperation. "We are facing the same problems on that path, so I believe we will discuss how we can help each other," Vučić told reporters, adding that economic and energy ties are key. He also anticipates touching upon other matters across various fields.

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We are facing the same problems on that path, so I believe we will discuss how we can help each other.

This meeting comes after several previous encounters between the two presidents, most recently in mid-July in Kyiv. There, they attended the 5th Summit of Ukraine – Southeast Europe, where a joint declaration was signed supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia. Notably, Vučić was the only regional leader present who did not sign this declaration. Serbia has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine but, due to traditional ties with Moscow, refuses to join EU sanctions against Russia.

During the July summit in Kyiv, Vučić and Zelenskyy agreed to intensify bilateral contacts and hold more frequent high-level meetings. They also discussed initiatives for better regional connectivity and mutual support on their European paths. Serbia has been providing financial, medical, and energy assistance to Ukraine and has raised the issue of regional transport connectivity as a prerequisite for faster development and a more secure future. Earlier in May, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka visited Belgrade to discuss strengthening economic cooperation and continuing negotiations on a free trade agreement.

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This are three main topics we will discuss, but I am sure we will touch upon others from different areas.