Serbia is under increasing international scrutiny following allegations from Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that Serbian-made ammunition has been supplied to Ukraine through third-party countries. These claims, if substantiated, could undermine Serbia’s declared policy of military neutrality and strain its longstanding ties with Moscow.
Russian Allegations and Serbia’s Response
The SVR has accused Serbian defense firms of covertly delivering ammunition to Ukraine via NATO member states such as the Czech Republic, Poland, and Bulgaria, as well as through certain African nations. The Russian agency alleges that these shipments, which include hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and millions of rounds of ammunition, have been used against Russian forces in Ukraine.
In response, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić acknowledged the possibility that some Serbian-made arms might have ended up in Ukraine but emphasized that Serbia has not directly supplied weapons to Ukraine. He stated, “I am aware that some of the arms might end up in Ukraine,” and defended the sales as part of Serbia’s economic revival.
Leaked Intelligence and Diplomatic Tensions
The controversy gained momentum following the leak of a U.S. Pentagon document in 2023, which suggested that Serbia had agreed to supply arms to Ukraine or had already done so. Serbia’s Defense Minister Milos Vucevic dismissed the document’s assertions as “untrue,” reiterating that Serbia did not and would not sell weapons to either side of the conflict.
Despite Serbia’s official stance, reports indicate that Serbian ammunition worth approximately €800 million ($855 million) has reached Ukraine indirectly, raising questions about the country’s adherence to its declared neutrality.
Balancing Act and Neutrality
Serbia’s position is complicated by its aspirations to join the European Union and its historical and economic ties with Russia. While Serbia has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and voted in favor of UN resolutions against Russia, it has refrained from imposing sanctions on Moscow. This balancing act reflects Serbia’s desire to maintain good relations with both the West and Russia, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In light of the allegations, President Vucic announced that Serbia and Russia would jointly investigate the claims regarding the supply of Serbia made arms to Ukraine. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Serbia’s foreign policy and its relationships with both Russia and the West.
As the situation develops, Serbia’s commitment to its declared neutrality and adherence to international norms will be closely scrutinized and tested as to where Serbia and Vucic stand. Whether Belgrade is really neutral, angling towards Putin or the West, or in fact on no one’s side but just taking advantage of the entire conflict.
