Zelensky and Vučić Begin Historic Talks in Belgrade
Ukrainian president visits Serbia for the first time on an official bilateral trip, focusing on the European path of both countries and strengthening economic cooperation.
Ukrainian president visits Serbia for the first time on an official bilateral trip, focusing on the European path of both countries and strengthening economic cooperation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on Friday, August 7, 2026, for his first official bilateral visit to Serbia, where he was welcomed at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport by Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović. The two presidents, Zelensky and Aleksandar Vučić, soon began bilateral talks, with Vučić hosting a ceremonial dinner in his honor.
Vučić expressed his satisfaction on his Instagram profile at having the opportunity to host Zelensky. "I am pleased to have the opportunity to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is visiting Serbia for the first time on an official visit, with the belief that this visit will contribute to the further development of Serbia-Ukraine relations and cooperation in areas of mutual interest," the Serbian president wrote.
The dinner served as an opportunity to open key topics that will dominate the official meetings. Vučić emphasized that they discussed "particularly the European path of our countries, but also to introduce guests to the spirit of Serbia, part of the tradition we are proud of." According to other sources, issues of economic and energy cooperation are also on the agenda.
The visit was also welcomed by the Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO), which expressed hope in its statement that this visit will contribute to peace and strengthening ties. "After more than four years of hostilities in Ukraine, Serbia will officially host the president of a close and friendly country. We hope that this visit will also contribute to the earliest possible achievement of lasting peace in Ukraine, which the SPO has advocated since the beginning of the war," the statement reads.
From the SPO, they also stated that this historic visit is a confirmation of the party's long-standing positions, especially those advocated by former president Vuk Drašković and the current leadership led by Aleksandar Cvetković. Special emphasis was placed on the economic aspect of cooperation.
"The SPO hopes that the free trade agreement with Ukraine will also be signed in line with announcements from the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, no later than early 2027. There is no reason why Serbia and Ukraine should not establish maximum possible cooperation," the statement said. The party called on the state leadership and President Vučić to make Serbia a driver of the announced Carpathian Initiative, which would be an important step towards EU membership through establishing regional cooperation.
The SPO concluded with hope for a swift end to the war in Ukraine and confidence that Serbia will make its maximum contribution to that "priority European goal."
