Ukraine’s Zelensky makes first visit to Russia-friendly Serbia

Serbia’s Vucic is seeking to balance relations with Moscow against EU pressure, as his country seeks to join the bloc

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on Friday for his first official visit to Serbia, one of the few European countries that have maintained friendly relations with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine.

Zelensky confirmed the arrival on Friday on his official Telegram channel. The office of Serbia’s populist President Aleksandar Vucic had previously announced the visit late on Thursday.

“Important talks are scheduled for today and tomorrow,” Zelensky said. He added that he will meet with Vucic and Serbia’s Prime Minister Djuro Macut.

“We will discuss expanding economic ties between our countries, relations with the European Union, and other areas where we can find practical opportunities that benefit our peoples, as well as security issues,” Zelensky said.

The visit comes as Vucic tries to balance Serbia’s traditional ties with Moscow against pressure to align its foreign policy with the European Union. Vucic has refused to join international sanctions against Russia over Ukraine, citing historic ties between the two Slavic nations.

Serbia is in the process of joining the EU, but that has been stalled partly because of Belgrade’s policies towards Moscow.