VIDEO Uncomfortable question on the press of Vucic and Zelensky: See how the Ukrainian president reacted

During a joint press conference held in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a range of topics, including trade, agriculture, and mutual support amid ongoing conflicts. However, one of the most sensitive issues, potential military cooperation, was carefully avoided during the public segment of their meeting. Vučić explicitly stated that the two leaders had not discussed any form of military collaboration, emphasizing that such matters would be considered after the war concludes. This response came in response to a question posed by journalist Michael Martens of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, who referenced earlier reports suggesting that Zelenskyy’s inner circle had already visited potential sites in Serbia for a joint drone production facility. Vučić confirmed that Serbia plans to open a drone manufacturing plant in September, but clarified that the project would involve Israeli partners rather than direct collaboration with Ukraine. He noted that while Ukraine has made significant progress in developing its own drone capabilities, Serbia aims to contribute through partnerships with other countries. The remarks were made in response to Martens' article published the previous day, which detailed how Serbian-made grenades had been transported to Ukraine via intermediaries in large quantities. Despite these indirect connections, Zelenskyy did not publicly address the issue directly, instead hinting at broader forms of cooperation aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s resilience. Political analyst Aleksandar Ivković suggested that Vučić’s decision to visit Zelenskyy was primarily driven by strategic considerations related to maintaining favorable relations with Western nations. According to Ivković, the main political capital gained by Vučić was secured four years ago when he formalized military cooperation agreements. These arrangements have helped him maintain positive ties with the West and avoid criticism from the European Union. During the visit, however, the topic of military collaboration remained largely unspoken, likely due to concerns over public perception among Vučić’s electorate, who tend to favor discussions on military matters but may be wary of direct involvement in a conflict involving a country at war with Russia. Zelenskyy’s visit to Serbia began with a welcome ceremony at the airport, where he was greeted by Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović. Vučić was notably absent from the airport greeting, despite protocol typically requiring his presence for such high-profile visits. Earlier, Vučić had personally welcomed officials from Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates. Following the arrival, the two leaders held an evening dinner and extended conversation, culminating in a photo shared on Vučić’s Instagram account showing the two presidents embracing. Among the tangible outcomes of the visit, both sides signed an agreement on food security. Negotiations regarding a more significant free trade agreement, according to both parties, are progressing. Zelenskyy expressed hope that all terms could be finalized by the end of the year. While neither leader directly mentioned Russia or the ongoing war, Vučić emphasized the importance of territorial integrity for both countries during the press conference. The visit underscored the complex interplay of diplomatic, economic, and strategic interests between Serbia and Ukraine, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. Both leaders appeared keen to highlight areas of mutual benefit while carefully navigating politically sensitive subjects. As the situation continues to evolve, further developments in bilateral relations and regional dynamics remain under close observation.