Kathrine Frich
The president is walking a tight line between Russia and the West.
The president is walking a tight line between Russia and the West.
Mounting Pressure From Moscow
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced a complete suspension of arms exports.
The move follows mounting pressure from Moscow, which recently accused Belgrade of secretly supplying ammunition to Ukraine.
“All Ammunition Stays in Our Barracks”
Addressing the media, Vučić said the drastic decision was the only way to prevent further allegations against Serbia.
“Since ammunition has appeared on both sides [in Ukraine], both complain. So the only way to stop this is to keep all of it here,” he explained.
Russia Claims Serbia Supplied Ukraine
In May, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accused Serbia of violating its neutrality in the Ukraine war.
The report, provocatively titled “Serbian Arms Industry Tries to Shoot Russia in the Back,” claimed Belgrade had supplied over 100,000 artillery rounds and a million small-arms bullets to Ukraine.
Serbia’s Denials Fall on Deaf Ears
Despite repeated denials, Serbia has acknowledged it can’t control what happens to its arms once they leave the country, especially when third-party buyers are involved.
The suspension is aimed at cutting off even indirect pathways to the conflict.
A Quiet Power in Eastern Europe’s Arms Trade
Serbia, alongside Bulgaria, remains one of the few European producers capable of manufacturing Soviet-standard weaponry.
These arms are in high demand across both Ukrainian and Russian forces, making Serbian munitions particularly valuable.
Moscow’s Displeasure Runs Deep
Russia’s anger stems not only from the alleged arms supplies but also from what it sees as betrayal by a long-standing ally.
For decades, Serbia has maintained close military and economic ties with Moscow, rooted in shared Slavic and Orthodox heritage.
Belgrade’s Slow Pivot to the West
In recent years, however, Serbia has begun shifting its defense posture.
The country has started investing in Western military hardware, including the acquisition of French Rafale fighter jets, an unmistakable signal that it’s looking to diversify beyond Russian dependence.
Geopolitical Tightrope for Vučić
The arms export suspension reflects Serbia’s precarious position: balancing historical alliances with Russia against increasing integration with Western institutions.
Vučić’s decision may appease neither side, but could buy his government critical time.
