In a significant diplomatic move, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hosted Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Belgrade, marking the first visit by the latter since his inauguration in 2019. The two leaders pledged to deepen economic cooperation, with an aim to finalize a long-stalled free trade agreement by year's end. Notably, Serbia has expressed support for Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and its territorial integrity, including contested regions seized by Russia since 2014. However, Serbia has refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia, a longtime ally. In response, Ukraine has not recognized Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence, a contentious issue for Serbia. The proposed free trade agreement, under discussion for over two decades, is crucial for Serbia's bid to join the World Trade Organization and is a prerequisite for its EU membership. The deal has been blocked by Ukraine since 2005 due to disputes over agricultural quotas and tariffs. Both leaders also discussed humanitarian aid, infrastructure, energy support for Ukraine this winter, and potential joint infrastructure projects. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Serbia's preparation of a new humanitarian aid package focusing on medical and energy sectors, highlighting the damage caused by Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, thermal power plants, railway stations, hospitals, universities, and civilian businesses. The visit also included discussions on economic and logistics projects, including the Danube Corridor and closer links between Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and the EU. Serbia pledged 2 million euros to support Ukraine's energy sector, and the two countries signed a memorandum on animal health and food safety. Despite mutual doubts about rapid EU membership, both leaders expressed hope for strengthening economic ties, acknowledging the challenges ahead, particularly a difficult winter for Ukraine due to ongoing conflict. Serbia has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine but has resisted joining Western sanctions against Moscow and remains dependent on Russia for most of its gas. The visit did not discuss military cooperation, although tensions remain over allegations that Serbia has supplied ammunition to Ukraine through intermediaries, a claim denied by Belgrade.