Russia has accused its traditional ally, Serbia, of supplying arms to Ukraine, sparking a significant diplomatic dispute. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claimed Serbian defense companies are betraying their Slavic ties by sending ammunition to Kyiv through intermediary NATO and African nations. This accusation has led to strong denials and promises of investigation from Serbia, highlighting the delicate balance Belgrade maintains between its historical ties with Moscow and its aspirations for European Union membership.

Russia’s Accusations

The SVR’s statement on May 29, 2025, detailed allegations against Serbia:

  • Serbian defense enterprises are reportedly supplying ammunition to Ukraine, despite Belgrade’s declared neutrality.
  • Shipments are allegedly routed through NATO intermediaries like the Czech Republic, Poland, and Bulgaria, with some also passing through African nations to obscure their origin.
  • The SVR claims these arms, including hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and over a million rounds of small arms ammunition, are intended to harm Russian military personnel and civilians.
  • The intelligence agency accused Serbian companies of prioritizing profit over fraternal loyalty, stating they are "profiting from the blood of fraternal Slavic peoples."

Serbia’s Response and Investigation

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the accusations, emphasizing Serbia’s commitment to neutrality and its independent foreign policy:

  • Vucic confirmed discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the matter.
  • Both leaders reportedly agreed to establish a joint working group to investigate how Serbian-made arms might be reaching Ukrainian forces.
  • Vucic denied direct arms sales to Ukraine, stating that while contracts with countries like the Czech Republic exist, no permission was given for onward delivery to Ukraine.
  • Serbia has pledged to investigate the claims and block any arms deals found to be linked to Ukraine.
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The Delicate Balance

Serbia’s position is a complex balancing act between its historical and cultural ties with Russia and its ambition to join the European Union:

  • Serbia relies heavily on Russia for energy supplies and shares deep historical and religious connections.
  • Despite its EU candidacy, Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
  • President Vucic has maintained close relations with Russia, including attending Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow, which drew criticism from EU officials.
  • The alleged arms sales, if proven, could significantly strain relations with Moscow, potentially jeopardizing Serbia’s traditional alliances.

Broader Implications

The diplomatic row underscores the broader geopolitical tensions in Europe:

  • The incident highlights the challenges faced by countries attempting to maintain neutrality amidst major international conflicts.
  • It raises questions about the control and oversight of arms exports, particularly concerning end-user certificates and intermediary countries.
  • The accusations could impact Serbia’s standing with both Russia and the European Union, forcing Belgrade to navigate an increasingly difficult diplomatic landscape.

This ongoing situation will likely continue to be a focal point in international relations, as both Russia and Serbia seek to clarify the truth behind the allegations and manage the fallout.

Sources

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