Serbia, Ukraine push free-trade deal as Zelensky visits Belgrade
What's new: Belgrade backed Ukraine's territorial integrity again but still withheld any move to sanction Russia.
Serbia and Ukraine moved to deepen ties during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s first visit to Belgrade since taking office, with both sides aiming to finish a free-trade agreement by year’s end. President Aleksandar Vucic said Serbia would continue to support Ukraine’s territorial integrity, including areas seized by Russia since 2014, while stopping short of any pledge to join Western sanctions on Moscow. Zelensky said the two leaders also discussed infrastructure, energy and food security ahead of winter after repeated Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities. The trade deal carries added weight for Serbia because it is important to its World Trade Organization bid and a prerequisite for European Union membership.