Serbia Ukraine economic ties are set to deepen after Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to strengthen trade, infrastructure and energy cooperation. The two leaders also pledged to complete a long-delayed free trade agreement by the end of the year.
_x000D_Zelenskyy made his first official visit to Serbia since taking office in 2019 during a two-day trip that ended Saturday. The Ukrainian president and Vucic have met several times before, including talks in Kyiv on July 15.
_x000D_ _x000D_Serbia Ukraine economic ties expand
_x000D_Vucic said Serbia would support Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union. He also reaffirmed Belgrade’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, including areas seized by Russia since 2014.
_x000D_Serbia continues to maintain close relations with Russia, however. Belgrade has refused to join Western sanctions against Moscow despite condemning Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
_x000D_Vucic said Serbia would also help rebuild Ukrainian cities damaged during the war. He described the relationship between the two countries as an expanding partnership that could bring greater economic cooperation.
_x000D_ _x000D_Free trade agreement back on the agenda
_x000D_The proposed free trade agreement has remained unresolved for more than two decades. Serbia and Ukraine now want to finish negotiations by the end of the year.
_x000D_The agreement carries particular importance for Serbia. Belgrade views it as an important step toward joining the World Trade Organization and meeting requirements linked to its EU membership ambitions.
_x000D_Ukraine previously blocked progress over concerns about agricultural quotas and tariffs. The renewed push suggests both governments now see greater value in expanding commercial ties.
_x000D_The two countries also discussed joint infrastructure projects, energy cooperation and food security. Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs additional support ahead of the winter as Russian attacks continue to damage critical infrastructure.
_x000D_ _x000D_Serbia pledges aid for Ukraine
_x000D_Zelenskyy thanked Serbia for preparing a new humanitarian aid package focused on medical and energy needs. Serbia has also pledged €2 million to support Ukraine’s energy sector.
_x000D_The Ukrainian president said the talks covered railway infrastructure, hospitals, universities, businesses and other facilities damaged by the war. He also highlighted plans for closer logistics links through the Danube Corridor.
_x000D_The two sides signed a memorandum covering animal health and food safety. The agreement adds another area of practical cooperation between the neighboring European markets.
_x000D_ _x000D_Belgrade balances Europe and Moscow
_x000D_Serbia Ukraine economic ties are developing while Belgrade continues to balance its EU ambitions with its longstanding relationship with Russia.
_x000D_Vucic said he does not expect either Serbia or Ukraine to receive rapid EU membership. He also warned that the war in Ukraine could continue through another difficult winter.
_x000D_Serbia still relies heavily on Russia for natural gas, but Belgrade has taken steps to reduce some of its military dependence on Moscow. The country has agreed to replace ageing Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets with French Rafale aircraft.
_x000D_Russia has also accused Serbia of allowing Serbian-made ammunition to reach Ukraine through intermediaries. Belgrade has denied directly supplying ammunition to Ukraine and says it sells weapons and ammunition to buyers internationally.
_x000D_Vucic and Zelenskyy said military cooperation did not form part of their latest talks. Instead, the visit focused on trade, reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, energy security and infrastructure.
_x000D_ The renewed negotiations over a free trade agreement could become a major test of how far Serbia Ukraine economic ties can develop while Belgrade continues to balance its European integration goals with its relationship with Moscow.
