Vučić and Zelenskiy in Belgrade on ending the war in Ukraine

Presidents Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia and Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine met in Belgrade on August 8, 2026, marking the first visit by Zelensky to Serbia since he assumed office in 2019 and the first such visit since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. During their joint press conference, both leaders emphasized mutual support for each other’s European aspirations and respect for territorial integrity, though they did not discuss military cooperation. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s desire for a dignified peace, while Vučić expressed doubts about the war ending quickly. Vučić stated during the press conference that Serbia will continue to uphold its principled policy of supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, adding there would be “no ‘but’” to this stance. He confirmed that no discussions took place regarding military collaboration with Ukraine, noting instead that the question of what comes after the end of the war remains open. Despite expressing hope that the war could end “already tomorrow,” Vučić admitted he does not see a realistic path toward such an outcome. As a veteran politician, he voiced concerns about a difficult winter ahead, particularly emphasizing the plight of Ukrainians and others around the world affected by the conflict. The two leaders also addressed Europe’s role in resolving the conflict. Vučić assured Zelensky of Serbia’s full backing for Ukraine’s European integration efforts, mirroring Zelensky’s commitment to supporting Serbia’s own European trajectory. Zelensky highlighted the importance of seizing every diplomatic opportunity to achieve peace, mentioning potential avenues in Washington, Beijing, European capitals, partners in the Middle East, Gulf states, and other global powers. Zelensky thanked Vučić for Serbia’s humanitarian aid and support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. However, he urged Western allies to provide additional military assistance, citing the extensive damage caused by Russian attacks. He pointed out that nearly all thermal power plants in Ukraine have been damaged due to targeted missile strikes, making life for Ukrainian citizens unsustainable under current conditions. The meeting underscored broader bilateral priorities, including infrastructure projects, energy cooperation, mining, and agriculture. Both leaders stressed efforts to finalize a free trade agreement by year-end and highlighted specific humanitarian aid contributions from Serbia, especially in post-war reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. Serbia has long maintained close ties with Russia, even as many Western nations imposed sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Unlike its European counterparts, Serbia has not sanctioned Moscow and continues to preserve economic links, particularly in the energy sector. This position has placed Serbia in a distinct geopolitical stance within Europe, aligning more closely with Russia than with Western countries. During his visit, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to pursue peace through diplomatic channels wherever possible. His remarks contrasted with Vučić’s cautious outlook, which reflects broader skepticism among some regional actors regarding the likelihood of a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict. The discussions also touched on the practical challenges facing both countries, with Zelensky urging international support to address the deteriorating situation in Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Vučić reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to neutrality and non-interference in the war, focusing instead on fostering bilateral relations and supporting Ukraine’s European aspirations. The visit marked a symbolic step in strengthening ties between the two nations, despite the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the war in Ukraine. Both leaders acknowledged the need for continued dialogue and cooperation amid ongoing hostilities. The joint press conference included references to past interactions between the two countries, highlighting the significance of this visit as a new chapter in their diplomatic relationship. Vučić noted that the visit was historic, representing the first time a Ukrainian president had visited Serbia since the start of the war. The discussion of future cooperation, including infrastructure and trade agreements, signaled a focus on building long-term partnerships beyond immediate wartime concerns. Zelensky’s visit also aimed to reinforce international recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial claims, countering any perceptions of isolation. By engaging with countries like Serbia, Ukraine seeks to broaden its network of supporters and allies in the region. The meeting underscored the dual objectives of seeking peace and securing tangible support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.