None
EN
Zelensky's Serbia gamble puts Ukraine's principles to the test
['Blerim Vela', 'Blerim Vela Is A Non-Residential Fellow At Oslo-Based Utsyn - Centre For Security', 'Sustainability', 'Holds A Phd In Contemporary European Studies The University Of Sussex. He Previously Served As Chief Of Staff To The President Of Kosovo', 'Was A Member Of The Kosovo Security Council', 'Read More']
The Kyiv Independent
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (L) meets with President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) during Zelensky's first visit to Serbia at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade, Serbia, on Aug. 8, 2026.
(Stringer / Anadolu / Getty Images)President Volodymyr Zelensky's first official visit to Serbia was a diplomatic gamble.
Belgrade nominally supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and has provided humanitarian assistance, while Serbian-made ammunition has reached Ukraine through third countries.
After the Zelensky-Vucic meeting, Vucic reaffirmed Serbia's nominal support for Ukraine's territorial integrity under the UN Charter, and Zelenskyy thanked Serbia for respecting Ukraine's sovereignty, including the status of Crimea.
Montenegro, too, has felt significant Serbian political and informational, political and religious influence.