Key facts
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Serbia for a two-day trip.
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pledged support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
- Both leaders aim to improve economic cooperation and complete a free trade agreement by year-end.
- Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Russia despite condemning its invasion.
- Zelensky and Vucic discussed cooperation on energy and food security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Serbia for a two-day trip, seeking to strengthen economic ties and discuss EU relations and security. During the visit, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pledged Serbia's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, including territories seized by Russia since 2014. However, Vucic stopped short of committing to sanctions against Russia, Serbia's long-time ally, citing historic and economic ties and dependence on Russian gas. Zelensky and Vucic expressed a desire to improve economic cooperation and finalize a free trade agreement by the end of the year, a deal crucial for Serbia's EU accession bid. They also discussed cooperation on energy and food security for Ukraine, which has been heavily impacted by Russian attacks. Vucic denied allegations of selling ammunition to Ukraine via intermediaries, stating that military cooperation was not discussed.