Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić have agreed to strengthen economic and bilateral co-operation during their talks in Belgrade, as Ukraine continues to face massive Russian missile and drone attacks.
Zelensky’s two-day trip marks his first official visit to Serbia, a country that has maintained traditionally close relations with Russia while also pursuing a membership in the European Union.
During the talks, the two leaders discussed expanding co-operation in trade, energy, infrastructure and food security.
In particular, they have discussed the development of the Danube Corridor – an important route connecting Ukraine with Central and Southeastern Europe.
Zelensky also thanked Serbia for its humanitarian assistance, including a new package of medical and energy support.
Serbia backs Ukraine’s integrity
Meanwhile, Vučić reaffirmed Serbia’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and said Belgrade was ready to deepen co-operation with Kyiv.
“I am convinced that today’s talks will provide a new impetus to relations between Serbia and Ukraine and that, through more frequent contacts at the highest level and concrete joint projects, we will continue to build stronger ties between our countries and peoples,” said Vučić.
Serbia has been walking a diplomatic tightrope since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Belgrade has consistently condemned the war and supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but has refused to join Western sanctions against Moscow.
Serbia is also currently dependent on Moscow for most of its gas supplies.
Despite their close diplomatic relationship, ties between Serbia and Russia have faced tensions over allegations that Serbian-made ammunition has reached Ukraine through intermediaries.
According to Reuters, the Kremlin has accused Serbia of supplying ammunition that ultimately reached Ukrainian forces.
Vučić has denied the accusations, saying Belgrade has not directly supplied weapons or ammunition to either side in the war.
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Russian attacks continue
The talks came as Russia launched another wave of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, targeting energy and railway infrastructure and civilian enterprises.
Zelensky said in a press release that 13 people were killed and 77 others were wounded across 12 regions following overnight Russian attacks on August 8.
The Ukrainian leader also discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war with Vučić, stressing that Kyiv continues to seek peace.
“It is important that people everywhere in the world know that we want a dignified peace – and this is true, this is a fact – and that every opportunity be used for the sake of peace and guaranteed security,” Zelenskyy said.
Energy woes ahead of winter
Zelensky also raised concerns over Ukraine’s energy security as the country prepares for another winter amid continued Russian strikes on its power infrastructure.
The Ukrainian leader said the country had been left “with virtually no intact thermal power plants” because of the attacks, Agence France-Presse reported.
Amid the challenges, Serbia has allocated €2 million (about $2.3 million) this year to support Ukraine’s energy sector.
Zelensky then thanked Belgrade for the assistance during a separate meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut.
The two also discussed ways to strengthen energy co-operation between their countries.
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James Mario Ajero 
Wendellyn Mateo