Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara today, marking their first bilateral meeting following Vučić’s sharp criticism of Turkey’s alleged role in destabilizing the Western Balkans.
High-Level Meeting Amid Rising Regional Tensions
According to Serbia’s Presidency, the one-day visit will include a plenary meeting between the delegations of both countries, highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagement despite recent political friction.
The meeting comes after Vučić expressed concerns over a growing military alliance involving Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo, which he claims poses security risks for Serbia.
Concerns Over Kosovo’s Military Procurement
Vučić recently stated that Serbia possesses military intelligence indicating that Kosovo plans to request additional weapons from the United States and Turkey. He alleged that Prishtina is seeking advanced military equipment, including:
- 105 mm howitzer systems
- Enhanced Javelin anti-tank missile systems
- LURAN military equipment
- Kirpi armored vehicles manufactured in Turkey
The Serbian president emphasized that Kosovo has not yet received final approval for some of these requests, but warned that such developments could escalate regional tensions.
Previous Accusations Against Turkey
Vučić’s concerns are not new. In October 2025, following reports that Turkey supplied approximately 1,000 kamikaze drones to Kosovo, the Serbian leader accused Ankara of undermining regional stability.
He stated at the time that Turkey was violating the United Nations Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 1244, further alleging that Ankara was pursuing geopolitical ambitions reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire’s historical influence in the region.
Key Topics Likely to Dominate Discussions
Although official topics for today’s meeting have not been publicly confirmed, analysts expect discussions to focus on:
- Turkey’s military cooperation with Kosovo
- Bilateral Serbia–Turkey relations
- Turkey’s strategic role in the Western Balkans
- Regional security and stability
Turkey’s Role in Kosovo Security Structures
The meeting also takes place as Turkish Major General Özkan Ulutaş currently commands NATO’s KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, further underscoring Turkey’s influence in regional security affairs.
History of Bilateral Cooperation
The last meeting between Vučić and Erdoğan took place in Belgrade in October 2024, during Erdoğan’s official visit to Serbia. That visit resulted in the signing of 11 bilateral agreements and the fourth session of the High-Level Cooperation Council between the two nations.
Observers note that today’s meeting could play a significant role in shaping future diplomatic and security dynamics across the Western Balkans, particularly amid rising geopolitical sensitivities.
