The main Russian ally in the Balkans: why Zelensky made his first visit to Serbia

Volodymyr Zelensky 7 August made his first visit to Serbia since taking office as president. The visit was announced the day before by the press service of the country’s president, Aleksandar Vučić.

As political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko noted to 24 Channel, much of the credit for this goes to Ukraine’s ambassador to Serbia, Oleksandr Lytvynenko. He carried out important diplomatic work to ensure the presidents’ meeting took place.

Why did Zelensky visit Serbia?

It is worth noting that engagement with Vučić has been going on for a long time. He has already had contacts with Ukraine. More than that, our country once even bought weapons there.

Serbia is the main Russian ally in the Balkans. They have long-standing ties. I think the main goal of this visit is to play on the countercourse. Zelensky is showing that he is playing on the Russian field, in the Western Balkans,

the political scientist emphasized.

Meanwhile Vučić is pursuing multi-vector policies, maintaining ties with Russia and China, but Serbia is moving toward European integration. Zelensky’s visit demonstrates that two countries seeking EU membership desire peace and mutual understanding. Therefore, both leaders have different motives.

Fesenko explained the purpose of Zelensky’s visit to Serbia: watch the video

For our president it is important to show engagement even with countries that are not our full allies, but with which we must find understanding, particularly in the context of European integration. We cannot have internal contradictions, because within the European Union there is quite a sharp, covert struggle underway.

Some lobby for the Western Balkan countries to join the EU first, while others support Ukraine. Here a balance must be found. The visit itself will not be sensational or a breakthrough, but given that this is the first visit to a country considered pro-Russian, we need to continue such work,

Volodymyr Fesenko emphasized.

Russia must feel that it has no untouchable zones in Europe. Ukraine should diplomatically “attack” even where the Russians think that territory belongs to them.

By the way, the Ukrainian leader’s visit to Serbia was announced already on 6 August. No program details were disclosed. Interestingly, Zelensky and Vučić met in July during the “Ukraine – Southeast Europe” summit. At that time the Serbian president was the only leader who did not sign the joint declaration supporting Ukraine.

Already on the evening of 7 August Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the country. His visit began with a dinner with the Serbian president. According to media reports, he will also meet with Serbia’s prime minister Đuro Mašut and will have another official meeting with Vučić. A press appearance with journalists is expected afterward.