Zelensky Makes First Visit to Serbia Since Russian Invasion: 'A Slap in the Face for Russia'
Saturday's visit to Belgrade is a symbolic attempt by Kyiv to win over Moscow's traditional ally.
Saturday's visit to Belgrade is a symbolic attempt by Kyiv to win over Moscow's traditional ally.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Serbia for the first time since Russia launched its invasion of his country, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The news was confirmed to AFP by a senior Ukrainian official, who described the visit as a symbolic move with a clear message to Moscow.
"We must pull the Serbs away from Russia's side," the unnamed official said, adding that Zelensky's arrival in Belgrade would be "a slap in the face for Russia." This will be the Ukrainian leader's first visit to Serbia since 2019, when he took office, and comes as he tours the world seeking support for Ukraine's defense.
Serbia is considered one of Moscow's closest allies in Europe. Despite the 2022 invasion, Belgrade has not imposed sanctions on Russia and has maintained close energy ties. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, a rare visit by a European leader during the invasion.
Serbia is formally a candidate for European Union membership, but Brussels views its warm relations with the Kremlin with unease. Zelensky's visit could be interpreted as an attempt by Kyiv to exploit these diplomatic tensions and encourage Serbia to reconsider its relationship with Russia.
Although the visit has no direct connection to Croatia, developments in the neighborhood and shifts in regional dynamics indirectly affect the security and political stability of the entire region, including relations within the European Union.
