Ukraine’s Zelensky arrives in Serbia for first visit

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Serbia for the first time to discuss economic cooperation and EU membership bids with Serbian officials.
• Zelensky highlighted talks on expanding economic ties, EU relations, security issues, and mutual benefits for both countries.
• The visit may strain Serbia's relations with Russia, its traditional ally and main natural gas supplier, amid discussions on energy cooperation.

BELGRADE - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Serbia on Aug 7 for his first visit to the Balkan country expected to focus on economic cooperation and bids by both countries to secure European Union membership.

Zelensky posted a video on Telegram showing his arrival ahead of talks with populist President Aleksandar Vucic and other officials.

“We will be speaking about expanding economic ties between our countries, relations with the European Union, and other things that can work for our peoples, as well as security issues,” Zelensky wrote.

Zelensky’s visit will likely sour ties between Serbia and Russia, its long-time ally and main natural gas supplier.

On Aug 6, Vucic said the two leaders would discuss European Union accession bids, as well as economic and energy cooperation. REUTERS