In a landmark visit, Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, arrived in Belgrade on Sunday, marking the first visit by a senior Ukrainian official to Serbia since the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2022. This visit signals a notable shift in Serbia’s foreign policy, traditionally aligned with Moscow.
Zelenska, accompanied by Serbia’s First Lady, Tamara Vucic, and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, embarked on a tour of Belgrade, including the city’s historic Kalemegdan fortress.
A key highlight of Zelenska’s visit was the signing of a cooperation agreement between universities in Belgrade and Kyiv, underscoring the strengthening educational ties between the two nations.
President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia has met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy three times since the conflict began, with their most recent encounter taking place at a regional summit in Tirana this February.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, Serbia has extended significant support to Ukraine. The Balkan nation has welcomed thousands of Ukrainian refugees, dispatched humanitarian aid, and committed to assisting with de-mining operations and post-war reconstruction efforts.
This visit by Zelenska and Kuleba is a pivotal moment, reflecting Serbia’s evolving stance amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
