Russia

Zelensky’s visit to Serbia works against Belgrade, harms relations with Russia

TASS English · 2026-08-07

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Serbia on August 8, which has raised concerns among Serbian opposition leaders about its potential negative impact on Serbia's relations with Russia. • Why it matters: The visit is viewed as part of a broader geopolitical strategy by the West to diminish Russian influence in the Balkans, which could lead to significant diplomatic repercussions for Serbia, a country with historical ties to Russia. • What to watch next: Observers will be monitoring the outcomes of Zelensky's visit, particularly any statements made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic regarding cooperation with Ukraine and the potential fallout on Serbia's relationship with Russia.

Zelensky’s visit to Serbia works against Belgrade, harms relations with Russia Milos Jovanovic, chairman of the opposition New Democratic Party of Serbia, said the Serbian people "have personal experience witnessing the destructiveness of interventions on behalf of Western powers"BELGRADE, August 7. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky's visit to Belgrade isn't in Serbia's national interests and will have a negative impact on Serbian relations with Russia, Milos Jovanovic, chairman of the opposition New Democratic Party of Serbia, stated on Friday. "Zelensky's announced visit is part of a broader geopolitical context in which the West is trying to show that both countries are irreversibly on the Western path and that it is necessary to further rid the Balkans of Russian influence," the party’s press office quoted Jovanovic as saying in a statement. "In the context of large-scale military destruction and geopolitical conflicts, statements that trade relations will be the main topic of the visit sound naive, unless we are talking about the export of Serbian weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, just like ex-US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill had openly stated," the Serbian politician continued. According to Jovanovic, Zelensky's visit will "significantly weaken" Serbia's relations with Russia and also may "cast doubt" on Moscow's support for Belgrade. "The New Democratic Party of Serbia sincerely regrets that Ukraine has become the scene of a conflict between the West and Russia," the politician said. According to him, the Serbian people "have personal experience witnessing the destructiveness of interventions on behalf of Western powers." Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s press office announced earlier that the country’s president would receive Ukraine’s Zelensky in Belgrade on August 8. 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Source: TASS English
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