President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (BETAPHOTO/Milan Obradovic)
During a visit to Belgrade, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude on Aug. 8 for the respect shown to Ukraine, the support to the Ukrainian people and the territorial integrity of his country, and for a new package of health care and energy humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
Speaking at a joint news conference after meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Zelenskyy said Aug. 7 saw new attacks on Ukraine and that 13 people were killed in Russian strikes within 24 hours. He said Ukraine had to endure attacks every night, most of which targeted structures important to people's lives. He said Kiev appreciated any support from other nations. We are grateful that Serbia will give Ukraine a new health care and energy humanitarian aid package. That is exceptionally important, Zelenskyy said, adding that a free trade agreement between Ukraine and Serbia is in the works and that negotiations are moving forward.
It would be really good if we can prepare everything by the end of the year so we can sign a free trade agreement between Ukraine and Serbia, Zelenskyy said, stressing that Kiev-Belgrade relations rest on mutual respect. According to Zelenskyy, diplomacy and diplomatic circumstances that could contribute to the war ending were discussed in Belgrade on Aug. 8.
As for Serbia's and Ukraine's European paths, Zelenskyy said he would like each nation in Europe to receive a stronger signal from the European Union of being needed. Zelenskyy, who also expressed thanks for the welcome in Serbia to the Ukrainian people, said Ukraine wants "a dignified peace" and that every opportunity should be seized for peace and guaranteeing security. Zelenskyy also met with Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut.
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