In a significant diplomatic move, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić visited Ukraine for the first time since the onset of the war in February 2022. His visit coincided with the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit held in Odesa, highlighting Serbia's attempts to navigate complex geopolitical waters.

This visit follows closely after Vučić's trip to Moscow a month prior, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about Serbia's balancing act between East and West amid ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict.

Vučić's participation in the summit came shortly after allegations from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that Serbia's military industry was supplying ammunition to Ukraine, despite the country’s officially proclaimed policy of neutrality.

This situation underscores the delicate position Serbia occupies, as it strives to maintain a neutral stance while managing relations with both Western powers and Russia.

Notably, Vučić was the only leader at the summit who did not sign a declaration condemning Russia's military actions in Ukraine.

This declaration called for increased international support for Ukraine and for the reinforcement of sanctions against Russia.

Vučić remarked that signing the declaration was complex for Serbia, drawing attention to the nation's ongoing decision to abstain from sanctioning Russia since the beginning of the conflict.

Observers have highlighted the symbolic and geopolitical significance of Vučić's visit to Ukraine.

Petar Milutinović, a researcher at the Institute for European Studies, noted this trip could be interpreted as a gesture towards Western allies, including the EU and the United States, reaffirming Serbia’s engagement on the international stage.

Serbia, as a candidate for EU membership, notably remains the only European nation not to impose sanctions on Moscow, indicating a unique position within the region.

This balancing act is further complicated by domestic political pressures and the historical context of Serbia's ties to Russia.

The decision not to sign the declaration is seen as consistent with Serbia's policy of 'active neutrality,' allowing Vučić to retain diplomatic maneuverability while preserving his diplomatic credibility with various international actors.

During the summit, Vučić committed to providing significant aid to Ukraine, indicating Serbia's intention to assist in the reconstruction of Ukrainian cities affected by the conflict.

He expressed a desire to contribute to rebuilding efforts and received gratitude from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for Serbia’s supportive stance regarding international law and territorial integrity, particularly in the absence of representatives from Kosovo at the summit.

In the aftermath of the summit, Serbian officials and analysts have framed Vučić's actions as a diplomatic victory, emphasizing his ability to navigate the tensions surrounding Serbian national interests and international expectations.

The EU’s response has been cautiously optimistic, with a spokesperson from the European Commission highlighting that Vučić's visit is an important signal of support for Ukraine.

The summit included officials from Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova, reflecting a broader regional interest in responding to the ongoing conflict.