Kathrine Frich
The support for Ukraine stands in stark contrast to Serbia’s ongoing ties with Russia.
The support for Ukraine stands in stark contrast to Serbia’s ongoing ties with Russia.
Willing to Help
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić declared his country’s willingness to help rebuild war-torn parts of Ukraine.
Speaking at a summit in Odesa on Wednesday, Vučić said Serbia is prepared to contribute to the reconstruction of “one or two Ukrainian cities or regions.”
Vučić Speaks at Summit in Odesa
This marked Vučić’s first official visit to Ukraine during his 12 years in power.
At the Southeast Europe–Ukraine Summit, the Serbian leader emphasized Serbia’s desire to make a meaningful, tangible contribution to Ukraine’s recovery, stating:
“I would like to get President Zelenskyy’s support to choose one or two cities or a small region that we could help rebuild. I think this would mean a lot to the people of Ukraine.”
Serbia’s Balancing Act Between Kyiv and Moscow
While Vučić’s support for Ukraine was welcomed by summit attendees, it stands in stark contrast to Serbia’s ongoing ties with Russia.
Just weeks earlier, Vučić attended Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, a major event marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s World War II victory—a move that drew international attention.
Victory Day in Moscow: Vučić Meets Putin
On May 9, 2025, President Vučić met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Kremlin event in Moscow.
The occasion Russia’s Victory Day was the first time Vučić had publicly met with Putin since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, raising questions about Serbia’s geopolitical loyalties.
“We’re Ready to Listen and Help,” Says Vučić
During his address in Odesa, Vučić reiterated Serbia’s commitment to humanitarian and political support for Ukraine.
“We are ready to listen to you, to hear you, to see how we can be useful, and to support you,” he told the summit, signalling a more proactive stance toward aiding Ukraine.
Belgrade’s Refusal to Impose Sanctions on Russia
Since Russia’s invasion, Serbia, a formal candidate for EU membership, has taken in thousands of Ukrainian refugees and condemned Moscow’s aggression on multiple occasions.
Despite these gestures of solidarity, Serbia has resisted joining Western sanctions against Russia.
This refusal has fueled speculation about the extent of its neutrality, particularly in light of Vučić’s continued interactions with Russian leadership.
Serbia Accused of Fueling the War Via Arms Exports
In late May, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accused Serbia of exporting ammunition to Ukraine, allegedly breaching its neutral stance.
The report triggered diplomatic tension, with Vučić promising to prevent further arms exports to conflict zones, asserting that Serbia remains committed to peace.