Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that Serbia is facing “unprecedented” pressure from the West, with Moscow claiming it understands the efforts to force Belgrade into opposing Russia. The remarks came after Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed willingness to sell weapons to EU member states, despite potential transfers to Ukraine.
Serbia, which applied for EU membership in 2009 and gained candidate status in 2012, has resisted imposing sanctions on Russia due to historical ties with Moscow. Peskov described the situation as “not at all a simple story” during an interview, emphasizing Russia’s awareness of the pressure on Serbia.
Vucic recently told Germany’s Cicero magazine that Serbia’s “warehouses are full of ammunition” and that he had offered EU states to purchase the stockpile. He acknowledged that weapons could end up in Ukraine but stated, “the buyers can do with it what they want.” Earlier this year, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service alleged Serbian defense firms were channeling arms to Ukraine via EU nations like the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. In response, Vucic suspended ammunition exports and required special permits for future shipments.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Serbia to align more closely with EU positions, including sanctions on Russia. However, Vucic has consistently refused to join EU measures against Moscow. Meanwhile, Serbia has faced protests alleging Western influence, with Russia’s SVR accusing Brussels of plotting a “Maidan coup” by manipulating Serbian youth.
Under public pressure, Vucic announced plans for early parliamentary elections.
