Zelensky makes first Serbia visit for talks with Vucic
Why it matters: Serbia remains one of Europe’s few countries that has not imposed sanctions on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Belgrade on Aug. 7 for his first official visit to Serbia, opening talks with President Aleksandar Vucic on security, economic ties and relations with the European Union. The two leaders had dinner after Zelensky was met at the airport by Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, and formal talks were scheduled for Aug. 8 at the presidential palace. The visit is notable because Serbia has stayed close to Moscow since Russia’s 2022 invasion and has refused to sanction Russia, despite pressure from the EU. Vucic has kept that position while also offering non-military aid to Kyiv and promising assistance to Ukraine.