Zelenskyy on EU: I understand Vucic's scepticism, but Ukraine is at war

Zelenskyy was responding after Vucic said he had told the Ukrainian president that he understood his enthusiasm for joining the European Union as soon as possible, but believed rapid accession was unlikely, at least for Serbia, for what he described as “numerous political reasons.”

“It is not only about reality and enthusiasm when choosing a path towards the EU. I understand Aleksandar's scepticism, which he shared with me yesterday, and in considerable detail. Ukraine has no time for scepticism. We are at war. We understand what Ukraine must be in the future,” Zelenskyy said.

He said there was unity within the EU on many issues, not only regarding the war, while acknowledging that member states also had domestic considerations, including elections.

“There are many issues that need to be balanced so that we are able to open everything we want. I am confident that we can do that,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine needed greater support in dealing with financial challenges.

Ukraine-Serbia free trade talks progressing

Zelenskyy also thanked Serbia for its decision to provide Ukraine with a new humanitarian aid package, particularly in the healthcare and energy sectors.

He said negotiations on a free trade agreement between Ukraine and Serbia were progressing.

“We should work hard to reach a free trade agreement. The negotiations are progressing, and that is positive. It would be good to prepare everything by the end of this year so that we can conclude a free trade agreement between Ukraine and Serbia,” Zelenskyy said.

Reconstruction and infrastructure cooperation

Zelenskyy said the situation in Ukraine remained difficult, noting that the country had faced an attack involving ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones overnight.

“Last night and today, the president and I discussed bilateral cooperation and things that can strengthen our infrastructure, railways and security. There are concrete infrastructure development projects, such as reconstruction projects in Ukraine, that we can implement together,” Zelenskyy said.

He said such projects could make a significant contribution to preserving existing jobs and creating new ones in both Ukraine and Serbia.

The two presidents also discussed the challenges Ukraine faces and attacks on the country's thermal power plants.

Zelenskyy concluded by thanking people in Serbia for welcoming Ukrainians.

“I would like to thank everyone in Serbia who welcomed our people with attention and care. We will never forget the kindness shown to our Ukrainians,” he said.