Explosive Rift: Another Risks Putin’s Wrath

Russia accuses Serbia of “shooting Russia in the back” with covert arms sales to Ukraine, potentially damaging decades of close relations between the two Slavic nations.

Key Takeaways

• Russian intelligence agencies claim Serbia is supplying ammunition to Ukraine despite declaring neutrality in the conflict
• Serbian arms are allegedly reaching Ukraine through intermediary countries using fake end-user certificates
• Serbian President Vucic has discussed the issue with Russian President Putin, agreeing to investigate the allegations
• The accusations may signal a significant shift in historically supportive Russia-Serbia relations
• Serbian opposition groups are criticizing Vucic for potentially damaging relations with Russia while still seeking EU membership

Russia’s Betrayal Allegations Against Serbia

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has launched a blistering attack on Serbia, accusing its longtime ally of secretly supplying weapons to Ukraine while publicly maintaining neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The accusations represent one of the most significant diplomatic rifts between Moscow and Belgrade in recent memory, threatening the special relationship that has existed between the two Slavic, Orthodox Christian nations for generations. According to Russian intelligence, Serbian defense companies have been using fake end-user certificates and third-party countries to disguise arms shipments ultimately destined for Ukrainian forces fighting against Russia.

“Serbian defense enterprises, contrary to the ‘neutrality’ declared by official Belgrade, continue to supply ammunition to Kyiv,” stated the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, SVR.

The accusations come at a particularly sensitive time for Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who has attempted to maintain Serbia’s traditional alliance with Russia while simultaneously pursuing European Union membership. The balancing act has become increasingly difficult as the war in Ukraine has forced many nations to choose sides definitively. Russian intelligence officials claim that Serbian arms sales to Ukraine include shells for rocket launchers, howitzers, and small-arms ammunition, allegedly routed through intermediary countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, and unnamed African nations.

Serbia’s Precarious Position Between East and West

President Vucic has reportedly discussed the arms export issue directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, agreeing to form a working group to investigate how Serbian weapons could be reaching Ukraine. This diplomatic scramble highlights the tightrope that Serbia has been walking. While seeking EU membership, Vucic has maintained close ties with Russia, even attending Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow, which drew criticism from EU officials. Serbia remains heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies and has refused to join Western sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

“The contribution of Serbian defense industry workers to the war unleashed by the West, the outcome of which Europe would like to see as a ‘strategic defeat’ of Russia, amounts to hundreds of thousands of shells … as well as a million rounds of ammunition for small arms.”

The Russian accusations come with particularly pointed language, suggesting that Serbian actions are motivated by profit at the expense of Slavic unity. “Serbia’s military industry is trying to shoot Russia in the back,” stated the Moscow-based spy agency, adding that “the cover for anti-Russian actions is a simple scheme using fake end-user certificates and intermediary countries.” These statements signal a potentially significant shift in Russia’s historically supportive relationship with Serbia, a country it has backed diplomatically for decades, particularly regarding the Kosovo issue.

Internal Political Fallout in Serbia

The allegations have already triggered significant internal political backlash against President Vucic. Opposition groups have seized on the issue, portraying the arms sales as a betrayal of Serbia’s national interests and its traditional Russian alliance. Ivan Kostic, leader of the conservative Dveri party, has been particularly vocal in his criticism, suggesting that Vucic’s actions could permanently damage Serbia’s relationship with its most powerful international backer. The controversy highlights the deep divisions within Serbian society regarding the nation’s geopolitical orientation.

“It’s clear now that Aleksandar Vucic’s regime openly works against the interests of Serbia and its citizens by openly taking one side, thus undermining Serbia’s political position,” stated Ivan Kostic, leader of the Dveri party.

The timing of Russia’s accusations is particularly troubling for Vucic as Serbia is currently negotiating a new gas import deal with Gazprom. This economic dependency underscores the practical challenges Serbia faces in potentially alienating Russia. Meanwhile, Serbia’s EU membership bid remains stalled due to unresolved issues with Kosovo and its refusal to align with EU sanctions against Russia. This latest diplomatic crisis further complicates Serbia’s already precarious position, trapped between its historical ties to Russia and its aspirations for European integration.