Lead

Dozens of Serbian public activists have voiced strong opposition to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's visit to Belgrade, according to reports from TASS. An open letter signed by 100 activists protests the invitation, warning that the visit could harm Serbia's long-standing ties with Russia. The opposition parliamentary group "Serbia's We – Power of the People" has also issued a statement criticizing the visit, citing concerns about energy security and territorial integrity.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, provided two separate reports on the protest. The first report focuses on the open letter from public activists, while the second highlights the statement from the opposition parliamentary group. Both reports emphasize the potential negative impact on Serbia-Russia relations and quote critics directly.

Key Claims

  • One hundred Serbian public activists have signed an open letter of protest against Vladimir Zelensky's visit to Belgrade, as reported by TASS.
  • The open letter, quoted by the Pravda portal, states that Zelensky's term as president expired more than two years ago and calls him "the main culprit behind the tragic war between Russia and Ukraine."
  • The letter also accuses Zelensky of being responsible for the persecution of Ukraine's Russian-speaking population and the Orthodox Church, and asserts that the visit creates "a real threat of breaking centuries-long brotherly relations with the Russian people and the Russian state forever."
  • The opposition parliamentary group "Serbia's We – Power of the People" issued a statement, carried by TASS, saying that "Zelensky's visit deals yet another blow to Serbia's relations with Russia." The group noted that Zelensky's office term expired on May 20, 2024, and called him "an illegal and illegitimate president of Ukraine ever since."
  • The opposition statement highlighted Serbia's dependence on cheap Russian gas, noting that no long-term deal on supplies has been signed due to the government's policy.
  • The statement also pointed out that "Kosovo and Metohija's status also depends on Russia which enjoys the right to veto in the UN Security Council."
  • TASS reported that Zelensky arrived in Belgrade on Friday and was welcomed at the airport by Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic. He is expected to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday.