Serbia has announced an immediate halt to all arms exports, a move President Aleksandar Vucic attributes to national security and economic interests. This decision comes amidst growing international scrutiny and accusations, particularly from Russia, that Serbian-made ammunition has found its way to Ukraine, despite Belgrade’s declared neutrality in the conflict.
Serbia Halts Arms Exports Amidst Geopolitical Tensions
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared on June 23 that Serbia would cease all arms exports, citing the nation’s security and economic well-being. The announcement followed a meeting with high-ranking military officials, where Vucic emphasized that ammunition would now only be directed to Serbian barracks, with all exports suspended. This decision was swiftly confirmed by the Serbian Defense Ministry.
Key Takeaways
- Serbia has suspended all arms and military equipment exports.
- President Vucic denies the move is a direct response to allegations of Serbian ammunition reaching Ukraine.
- The decision comes amid increasing criticism, particularly from Russia, regarding Serbia’s alleged indirect arms supply to Ukraine.
- Serbia maintains a delicate diplomatic balance between Moscow and the West.
Navigating a Diplomatic Tightrope
This significant policy shift by Serbia occurs against a backdrop of mounting criticism, especially concerning claims that Serbian ammunition has been supplied to Ukraine. In May 2025, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) explicitly accused Belgrade of providing weapons to Kyiv. This accusation is notable given Serbia’s historically friendly relations with Moscow and its official stance of neutrality regarding Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022.
An investigation by the Financial Times in 2024 further suggested that Serbian ammunition had reached Ukraine via intermediaries. Despite these reports, Belgrade consistently asserts that it does not directly arm either side of the conflict.
Serbia has been attempting to maintain a precarious diplomatic balance since the 2022 invasion. President Vucic has notably refused to sign a declaration condemning the invasion, stating a desire not to "betray Russia," while simultaneously pledging support for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. This latest decision to halt arms exports appears to be another strategic maneuver in Serbia’s ongoing effort to navigate complex international relations and mitigate external pressures.
Sources
- Serbia halts all arms exports amid Russian scrutiny over Ukraine, The Kyiv Independent.
