Zelensky To Make First-Ever Visit To Serbia, In Symbolic 'Slap In The Face' For Russia

Serbia is set to host Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a major first of the war which could set off serious diplomatic tensions with Russia, a longtime Serbian ally and 'friend'.

Zelensky will arrive on this first-ever trip on Saturday, August 8, according to Ukrainian officials, despite that Serbia - as a Slavic and Orthodox Christian country - has historically maintained warm ties with Moscow.

But Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has been a leader who has put a little distance between himself in Russia, for example skipping this year's Victory Day Parade in Moscow. He's also been accused of allowing Serbian arms to go to Ukraine, which he's denied.

"I believe we will discuss how and in what ways we can help each other on this issue (EU integration, ed.) and, if possible, learn something from one another," Vučić said of the upcoming visit.

"That also includes our cooperation in culture, sports, and everything else," the president added. Regional media indicated the two leaders are expected to address Ukraine's move toward EU membership, energy cooperation, as well as economic ties.

Zelensky is likely to lobby the Serbian government to take a tougher stance on Russia, for example by joining Western sanctions on Moscow.

President Vučić has consistently resisted calls to join anti-Russian international sanctions, however, stressing that the country's position on the matter will remain unchanged.

But Serbia is still hugely dependent on Russian energy, and just a week ago it was READ MORE AT SOURCE »