Vučić said the international community, including Serbia, is interested in ending the war as quickly as possible. But speaking as what he called a "political veteran," he expressed doubt that a swift end to the fighting is realistic.
"I'm very afraid that a very difficult winter awaits us — above all for Ukrainians," the Serbian leader said.
Vučić stressed that he hopes for the war to end as soon as possible, but said he currently sees no realistic path for that to happen.
Serbia also plans to help rebuild one Ukrainian city that has suffered damage from the war, though Vučić did not specify which city.
Zelenskyy arrived in Belgrade on Aug. 7. Ahead of his visit, AFP reported, citing a senior Ukrainian official, that the trip would be seen as "a slap in the face to the Russians," given Belgrade's traditional alignment with Moscow.
Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Russia and has maintained close energy ties with Moscow. In May 2025, Vučić met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.