Serbia and Ukraine agreed to finalise a long-stalled free trade agreement by the end of 2026, capping Volodymyr Zelenskyy's first visit to Belgrade since taking office. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pledged support for Ukraine's EU accession and territorial integrity, and offered Serbian help to rebuild Ukrainian cities damaged in the war.
The two sides also signed a memorandum on animal health and food safety, and Zelenskyy thanked Belgrade for a 2 million euro pledge to support Ukraine's energy sector. The free trade pact, under discussion for more than two decades, is expected to deepen economic ties significantly.
Behind the scenes, a joint drone production venture backed by the United Arab Emirates is under consideration, while former U.S. ambassador Christopher Hill said Washington has begun supporting purchases of Serbian ammunition for Ukraine. Vucic reaffirmed he will not impose sanctions on Moscow, even as Zelenskyy was welcomed by Serbia's energy minister upon landing in a trip widely seen as straining Belgrade's ties with the Kremlin.