Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Belgrade has triggered strong reactions in Moscow, with several Russian commentators and writers criticizing Serbia’s stance toward Ukraine.
According to Serbian media outlet Danas, citing Kommersant commentator Maxim Yusin, Serbia’s leadership has been accused of “betrayal” and a “stab in the back” to Russia during several Russian television programs.
Meanwhile, some radical Russian voices on Telegram have called for Moscow to recognize Kosovo’s independence as a countermeasure following Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s statement that Serbia respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Yusin described these reactions as emotional, arguing that they reflect a double standard, since Moscow has tolerated meetings between other friendly leaders and Zelenskyy.
The controversy highlights the increasingly delicate position Serbia occupies between its traditional ties with Russia and its efforts to maintain relations with Ukraine and the broader European political sphere.