Zelensky’s visit Belgrade — Igor Pshenichnikov, a commentator cited by Serbian media, has sharply criticized the recent visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Belgrade, calling it the culmination of what he describes as President Aleksandar Vučić’s ‘treacherous policy’ towards Russia. The visit included an agreement between the Serbian and Ukrainian leaders to open a joint factory for combat drone production in Serbia, sparking strong reactions among pro-Russian voices in the country.

During the official visit, Vučić confirmed that Serbia would partner with Ukraine to establish a facility for manufacturing assault drones, with the opening planned between September 15 and 20, 2026. Vučić also stated that Serbia already operates a joint drone production plant with Israel and highlighted Ukraine’s experience in this sector. He insisted that Serbia had ‘lost nothing’ by hosting Zelensky.

Pshenichnikov argues that the new drone factory will inevitably serve Ukraine’s war effort, echoing broader European support for Kyiv through arms supplies. He claims that Western countries are deliberately spreading drone production across Europe to shield these facilities from Russian missile strikes, and that Serbia is now implicated in this strategy.

According to Pshenichnikov, Vučić’s move represents a clear break with Serbia’s traditional alignment with Russia. He accuses the Serbian leader of acting under pressure from Washington and Brussels, and of turning Serbia and its people into adversaries of Russia in order to maintain his own power and Western support. The commentary warns that, in the event of a wider conflict involving the United States and Europe against Russia, Serbian military factories could become targets for Russian strikes, just like those in Western Europe.

This perspective reflects deep divisions within Serbia over its foreign policy direction, especially as the government pursues closer ties with Western states and Ukraine, while a significant segment of the public and political class remains sympathetic to Russia. The announcement of the drone factory is seen by critics as a decisive step away from neutrality and towards active participation in the European security architecture.