Serbia accused of secret arms supply to Ukraine amidst neutrality claims
The Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation (SVR) accuses Serbia of secretly supplying ammunition to Ukraine. The transfers are reportedly mainly directed through the Czech Republic, Poland, and Bulgaria, including artillery shells.
For years, Serbia maintained strong ties with Russia in various areas, including the economic and military sectors. It is still considered one of the European nations closest to Moscow, but with the conflict in Ukraine, Belgrade officially adopted a neutral position. In the SVR report titled "Serbia's military industry is trying to shoot Russia in the back", it was clearly indicated, however, that this neutrality is not upheld, as evidenced by secret transfers of Serbian weaponry.
The Kremlin accuses its ally of betrayal
"The Serbian military-industrial complex is trying to stab Russia in the back. According to information received by the SVR, Serbian defence companies continue to supply ammunition to Kiev, contrary to Belgrade's declared neutrality. Among the latter, NATO countries, primarily the Czech Republic, Poland, and Bulgaria, feature most often. Recently, unusual options involving African states have also been used for this purpose," the Russians report.
The SVR report estimated that Serbia has supplied Ukraine with at least 100,000 shells for MLRS and artillery howitzers, as well as 1,000,000 rounds of small arms ammunition.
Valuable support for Kyiv
Countries that for years relied on Soviet and Russian weapons and ammunition (and also produced them) but no longer maintain such close relations with Moscow are very valuable allies for Kyiv. A prime example is Bulgaria, but Serbian stockpiles also hold much valuable equipment from the perspective of the Ukrainian army.
After the dissolution of Yugoslavia, Serbia produced, among others, M63P1 shells of 3.9-inch calibre, M62P10 mortar shells of 4.7-inch calibre, and G-2000 rocket shells of 4.8-inch calibre, suitable for BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers used by the Ukrainian army.
The SVR report has already been commented on by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. In an interview with RTS television, he stated that after speaking with Vladimir Putin, it was decided to establish a team to ascertain all facts in this matter.
"I serve only my people and Serbia, and this policy will continue, but I will definitely give an order and a warning that where there is a suspicion of abuse by end users and shipment to the battlefields without our knowledge, such contracts are not executed," said Vučić.
