Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has ordered a halt to all arms and military equipment exports from Serbia, amid mounting accusations from Russia that Serbian-made munitions are ending up in the hands of Ukrainian forces via indirect routes.
The Serbian Ministry of Defense announced the ban late Monday, stating it was enacted under Vučić’s instruction, who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces. The move follows a second public accusation from Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), claiming Serbian companies have been indirectly supplying Ukraine with artillery rockets and mortar shells via Czech and Bulgarian intermediaries.
SVR alleged that Serbia knowingly allowed exports of components used in long-range weapons systems, which were later assembled in NATO countries and sent to Ukraine. Russian and Serbian media have quoted SVR as saying:
“Serbian producers are aware of who the real end users of their products are, and that their weapons are being used to kill Russian soldiers and civilians in Russian towns.”
In response to the accusations, Vučić held a meeting with Serbia’s military leadership and later told the media that the decision to suspend arms exports was not a reaction to Russia’s statements, emphasizing that Serbia only sells ammunition, not weapons or offensive equipment.
“From this sector, around 24,000 people earn their living, and when counting their families, we’re talking about 150,000 people. I will not leave 150,000 people without income,” Vučić stated.
He added that from now on, all ammunition produced in Serbia would be reserved for domestic military use and national stockpiles.
The Ministry of Defense clarified that in the future, any export of Serbian-made arms or military equipment would require the approval of the National Security Council, in addition to regular ministerial and agency procedures.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova demanded clarity from Belgrade. Posting on Telegram, she expressed skepticism over contradictory Serbian official statements:
“We’ve heard conflicting claims from Serbian representatives. I want clarity — has this happened or not? We were told ‘it’s impossible.’ For the sake of full accuracy, we must know the truth.”
