Zelensky to Visit Serbia for First Time

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to visit Serbia on Saturday for the first time since taking office. According to AFP, the trip carries considerable symbolic weight, as Serbia remains one of Russia's traditional allies in Europe.

A senior Ukrainian official described the visit as a “slap in the face to Russia”, saying Kyiv hopes to weaken Moscow's influence in Belgrade.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Moscow and has maintained close energy and political ties with Russia.

President Aleksandar Vucic has previously met Vladimir Putin in Moscow and called for stronger cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Belgrade continues accession talks with the European Union, which has long criticized Serbia's close ties to the Kremlin. The visit is therefore expected to send a strong diplomatic signal.

(mja)