Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has warned that Serbia is under “unprecedented” pressure from the West, as Moscow seeks to counter efforts to isolate Belgrade over its ties with Russia. Peskov’s remarks followed Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s recent suggestion that his country could sell surplus weapons to European Union members, even if the arms eventually reach Ukraine.
Serbia, a candidate for EU membership since 2012, has resisted imposing sanctions on Russia, citing historical and political connections with Moscow. Peskov stated that Russia “understands what unprecedented pressure is being put on Serbia,” emphasizing the complexity of the issue surrounding Serbian arms exports.
Vucic told Germany’s Cicero magazine that Serbia’s military stockpiles are overflowing, stating, “We are producing more.” He offered EU states a deal to purchase the surplus but added that he had yet to receive a response. When asked about the risk of weapons reaching Ukraine, Vucic replied, “The buyers can do with it what they want.”
Earlier this year, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service accused Serbian defense firms of funneling arms to Ukraine through EU states like the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. In response, Vucic suspended ammunition exports and introduced stricter controls. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Serbia to align more closely with EU policies, including sanctions against Russia. Vucic has consistently rejected joining such measures.
Serbia has also faced domestic unrest, with protests blaming Western influence for destabilizing the country. Russian intelligence agencies have alleged that Brussels is attempting to orchestrate a “Maidan coup” in Serbia by swaying youth. Under public pressure, Vucic announced plans for early parliamentary elections.
