Zelenskyy in Belgrade for first visit since the invasion; US Senate approves new Russia sanctions
Zelenskyy meets Serbian leaders in a visit meant to expand ties even as Washington tightens sanctions on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Belgrade on August 7, 2026, making his first visit to Serbia since the Russian invasion began. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić hosted an informal state dinner in his honour as talks were announced for the next two days.
“I arrived in Serbia with my team. Important talks are scheduled for today and tomorrow – with President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Đuro Macut. We will discuss expanding economic ties between our countries, relations with the European Union, other areas that can benefit… ” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Analysts say the trip comes at a sensitive moment: Belgrade remains one of the few European capitals that has not adopted sanctions on Moscow. Observers interpret the visit as an attempt by Serbia to ease pressure from Western partners while signalling a willingness to engage Kyiv on practical, mutually beneficial issues.
At the same time, officials and commentators point to contentious issues that complicate cooperation — notably allegations of indirect exports of Serbian munitions to the Ukrainian front and Kyiv’s continued non-recognition of Kosovo, a position that underpins Serbia–Ukraine exchanges on sovereignty and diplomacy.
US Senate passes new sanctions package
On the same day, the US Senate approved a restrictive sanctions bill named in memory of the late senator by an overwhelming bipartisan majority: 86 votes in favour and 11 against. The measure is aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow and tightening financial and trade levers.
The new package dubbed the Lindsey O. Graham bill imposes direct visa bans on Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior military commanders, authorises tariffs of up to 500% on Russian exports and grants the US president the power to impose duties up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas — named examples include China and India — with the stated goal of cutting off funding for Russia’s war machine. The coinciding timing of Zelenskyy’s visit and the US vote adds an international dimension to a bilateral diplomatic effort in Belgrade.
Photo: press material from the event
