On Monday, 13 May 2024, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and First Lady Olena Zelenska made an unexpected visit to Serbia, a country known for its friendly ties with Russia. This visit, the first of its kind since the onset of Russian aggression towards Ukraine in 2022, signaled a potential thaw in relations between Ukraine and Serbia.
During this visit, Kuleba and Vucevic discussed Serbia's commitment to uphold international law and the territorial integrity of all United Nations member states, including Ukraine. Despite Serbia's historical alliance with Russia and refusal to impose sanctions against Moscow, it has condemned the aggression towards Ukraine and maintains a stance of neutrality in the conflict.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and the new Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who presides over a government that includes pro-Russian elements, both met with Kuleba. The presence of U.S. sanctioned pro-Russian ministers in the Serbian government highlights the complex diplomatic landscape.
Reports have surfaced suggesting Serbia might have facilitated the transfer of weapons to Ukraine through third countries, although the Serbian government insists on its neutrality, refuting claims of direct arms provision to any conflict parties.
The visit drew criticism from Moscow, with negative reactions seen in Russian state-controlled media. In parallel with Kuleba's visit, Vucevic also scheduled a meeting with the Russian ambassador to Serbia and toured a significant Russian gas storage facility, perhaps as a gesture to balance the diplomatic narrative.
Furthermore, Vucic's neutral but strategically ambiguous foreign policy has fostered connections with not only Russia but also China, the EU, and the US. This was underscored by a recent visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which China and Serbia pledged to strengthen their bilateral relationship.
In conclusion, the surprise visit by Ukraine's top diplomat and first lady to Serbia marks a significant, if cautious, diplomatic engagement amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions influenced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.