Serbia backs Ukraine EU bid, but Kosovo row flares

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic publicly supported Ukraine's bid for EU membership during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Belgrade. Vucic stated Serbia would assist Ukraine on its European path, a move seen as symbolic given Serbia's close ties with Russia. The leaders also discussed mutual respect for territorial integrity, humanitarian aid, and bilateral cooperation, including infrastructure and security.

However, the visit inflamed controversy as Ukraine reiterated its non-recognition of Kosovo as an independent state, a stance confirmed by Zelensky. This prompted outrage in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, where officials removed a large Ukrainian flag from a building. Kosovo's Foreign Minister called the leaders' remarks 'deeply disappointing,' emphasizing Kosovo's solidarity with Ukraine. Relations between Kosovo and Serbia remain tense following the 1998-1999 war and Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence.

An MoU was signed between the Serbian and Ukrainian food safety and agriculture ministries to cooperate on animal disease control. Vucic also invited Zelensky to the opening of a drone factory developed in Serbia.