Serbia and Russia to investigate claims of Serbian arms reaching Ukraine

Serbia and Russia will jointly examine allegations that Serbian-made weapons reached Ukraine, following claims by Russian officials and statements from President Aleksandar Vucic calling for a fact-finding effort.

According to sources, Serbia and Russia have agreed to conduct a joint investigation into claims that Serbian-manufactured arms have been transferred to Ukraine. The decision follows a statement by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), which alleged that Serbian defence companies supplied weapons to the Ukrainian government.

In its official statement, the SVR described the alleged transfers as damaging to relations and stated that the weapons were being used against Russian military personnel and civilians. The service also claimed the arms were routed through third-party countries, including NATO members such as the Czech Republic, Poland, and Bulgaria, as well as certain African nations.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the matter in an interview with state broadcaster RTS, noting that he had discussed the topic with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow on 9 May. Vucic announced the formation of a joint working group with Russian counterparts to verify the details. He also stated that some of the claims made were inaccurate.

A classified U.S. Pentagon document, circulated in 2023, reportedly indicated that Serbia had agreed to supply arms to Ukraine despite its stated military neutrality. Russia has raised concerns on this issue multiple times.

Serbia’s defence sector employs approximately 24,000 people and produces ammunition and weaponry based in part on Soviet-era designs. These systems are compatible with those currently in use in both Ukraine and Russia.

Serbia has expressed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity in United Nations forums but has not imposed sanctions on Russia. The country maintains a foreign policy position balancing its EU membership aspirations and traditional ties with Russia, which remains its primary energy supplier.

President Vucic has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on several occasions. At the same time, Russian entities, including Gazprom and Gazprom Neft, hold significant stakes in Serbia’s energy infrastructure.

The outcome of the investigation remains to be seen. Officials from both countries have stated that their goal is to clarify the facts surrounding the reported arms transfers.

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