In a bid to strengthen economic partnerships amidst global trends, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy have pledged to finalize a long-standing free trade agreement by the end of the year. During Zelenskyy's first visit to Serbia since 2019, both leaders discussed deepening cooperation, with Serbia committing to support Ukraine's bid for EU membership and provide humanitarian aid, infrastructure, and energy assistance this winter. The proposed agreement is crucial for Serbia's WTO membership and EU aspirations, while Ukraine has previously blocked the deal over agricultural sector concerns. Additionally, the two countries have signed a memorandum on animal health and food safety. Despite concerns over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Vucic expressed optimism for Ukraine's EU membership, albeit acknowledging the challenging road ahead. The leaders also discussed potential joint infrastructure projects, energy security, and logistics initiatives such as the Danube Corridor and closer links between Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and the EU. However, Serbia remains cautious in its approach towards Western sanctions against Russia and continues to rely on Moscow for most of its gas supplies. The visit marked a significant step towards expanding economic ties between the two nations and aligning with global market trends.