Zelenskyy Could Make First Visit to Serbia Since War Began

Conversation Between the Presidents of Ukraine and Serbia

According to Главком: On May 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. The discussion centered on bilateral relations between Ukraine and Serbia and potential avenues for strengthening them. Zelenskyy stated:

“President Vučić and I talked about the state of ties between our two countries. We both agree they need to be robust, and we see room for further growth.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Laying the Groundwork for Cooperation

During the call, it was decided that Taras Kachka, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, will work in Belgrade. The two sides also discussed preparing a memorandum of understanding on trade cooperation. Zelenskyy emphasized:

“We are counting on mutually beneficial agreements, including restarting talks on a free trade zone with Serbia.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Serbian media have reported that Zelenskyy may travel to Belgrade as early as the end of this week, which would be his first trip there since Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. While no official confirmation of the visit has been given, Serbia is expecting a Ukrainian delegation that could be led by the president himself. Zelenskyy also noted that Vučić shared his upcoming diplomatic schedule, and the two agreed to stay in touch.

This phone call and the potential visit underscore the growing importance of Ukraine-Serbia relations amid current regional challenges. The planned memorandum on trade could significantly boost economic ties between the nations and open up new avenues for collaboration. Given the complex political landscape in the region, closer dialogue between Kyiv and Belgrade may help strengthen stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe.

The recent discussions between Zelenskyy and Vučić highlight a growing trend of diplomatic engagements, reminiscent of Zelenskyy's historic meeting with Bahrain's King after a long hiatus. Such interactions are crucial for strengthening international ties, especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty. For insights on the outcomes of that significant meeting, you can read more about it here.