Serbia and Ukraine Pledge Closer Ties, Target Free Trade Deal by Year-End

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have pledged to strengthen economic cooperation between their countries, with both leaders aiming to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of the year. The announcement came during Zelenskiy's two-day visit to Belgrade, his first since taking office in 2019.

Vucic reiterated Serbia's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, including regions Russia has occupied since 2014. However, he stopped short of committing to sanctions against Russia, a long-time ally on which Serbia remains dependent for most of its natural gas supplies. Belgrade condemned Russia's 2022 invasion but has consistently refused to join Western sanctions.

The free trade deal is seen as crucial for Serbia's bid to join the World Trade Organization and a prerequisite for its European Union membership. Ukraine has blocked the agreement since 2005 over tariff and quota disputes in the agricultural sector.

Zelenskiy said the talks covered joint infrastructure projects and cooperation on energy and food security, particularly ahead of winter in Ukraine, which has faced repeated Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure. "We are developing all formats of cooperation which can give our people more resilience," he said.

Both leaders acknowledged the challenges of rapid EU accession but said Belgrade would support Kyiv's membership bid. Vucic also expressed gratitude for Ukraine's refusal to recognize Kosovo's independence, which Belgrade regards as its own territory. The two leaders did not discuss military cooperation, according to Vucic.