**Serbian President Vucic to Visit Ukraine for First-Ever Official Trip**
In a significant move, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will visit Ukraine on June 11. This one-day trip marks the first official visit by the Moscow-friendly leader to Ukraine. The meeting will take place during the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa, where officials from 12 southeastern European countries are expected to attend.
Serbia has long been trying to balance its relationship with Russia and the European Union (EU). As an EU candidate, Serbia aims to maintain good relations with Brussels. However, Vucic’s government has also sought to strengthen ties with Moscow. This approach has not gone unnoticed, especially after he attended the Russian Victory Day celebrations on May 9. The move drew criticism from the EU, which sees it as a sign of Serbia’s allegiance to Russia.
**A Test for Serbia’s Neutrality**
Vucic’s visit to Ukraine could be seen as a test of Serbia’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. By attending this summit, Vucic is demonstrating his commitment to maintaining good relations with both Moscow and Kiev. However, the recent tensions between Serbia and Russia over allegations that Serbian arms companies supplied arms to Ukraine via intermediaries may cast a shadow on this visit.
**The Road Ahead**
Vucic’s visit will undoubtedly be closely watched by EU officials and other countries in the region. As Serbia continues to navigate its delicate relationship with both Moscow and Brussels, it remains to be seen how this trip will impact its status as an EU candidate. One thing is certain: Vucic’s efforts to balance his country’s relationships with Russia and the EU will face renewed scrutiny in the wake of this visit.
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