Russia and Serbia discuss security threats in connection with arms supplies to Ukraine

Moscow is discussing military supplies to Ukraine with Belgrade amid reports of Serbian ammunition exports.

 

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told RIA Novosti that Russia and Serbia are discussing security threats associated with arms supplies to Ukraine.

The exchange of assessments of security threats between the parties is an integral part of the political dialogue between Russia and Serbia. Of course, this also applies to issues of military supplies.

Alexander Grushko

 Deputy Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry

On June 22, the Financial Times reported that Serbia may have sold Ukraine ammunition worth around 800 million euros through third countries. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed the export of ammunition and said that the country has relevant contracts with the United States, Spain, and the Czech Republic. Vucic emphasized that the sale of ammunition is a business opportunity, adding that the obligation is to sell, not to track the final destination of the ammunition.

On June 24, press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov commented on the situation with the supply of ammunition to Ukraine from Serbia through third countries. He noted that Moscow has paid attention to this fact and the issue will be discussed with Belgrade.

Serbia has not yet joined extensive Western sanctions against Russia. Vucic previously stated that the country would take this step only if its vital interests were threatened. However, the president emphasized Belgrade's intention to maintain friendly relations with both Moscow and Kiev.