Serbia Halts Arms Exports Amid Foreign Pressure and Espionage Allegations

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has announced a complete suspension of weapons and ammunition exports, despite facing significant domestic and international pressure to continue shipments.

Image Source: BowesChay

Speaking to reporters, Vucic said his directive has been accepted by the defense ministry and finalized by the National Security Council, which now requires all future arms exports to be individually approved. 

“No munitions will leave Serbia without explicit clearance from the National Security Council,” Vucic stated. 

He acknowledged mounting pressure, warning of planned protests at defense factories aimed at forcing a reversal of the ban. 

“The argument is simple — they say it’s about workers’ wages, but this is about national security,” he added.

Currently, Serbia maintains limited defense agreements with Cyprus and Azerbaijan, but Vucic stressed that these transactions will remain strictly contained to the receiving countries. 

He also announced a full review of existing contracts, introducing a categorization system with black, grey, and white lists to tighten oversight of clients and destinations.

Vucic accused political opponents of trying to destabilize Serbia, alleging they are influenced by both Western and Russian interests. “Their goal is not Serbia's stability, but to weaken my leadership,” he said.

The Serbian defense ministry earlier confirmed the suspension, which immediately ends the previous system allowing joint approval by two ministers.

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused Belgrade of using intermediaries to covertly funnel Serbian-made military equipment to Ukraine. 

According to the SVR, Serbian manufacturers have been selling parts for heavy munitions to companies in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, where the final assembly takes place before the equipment is transferred to Ukraine’s military. 

The SVR specifically named Serbia’s Krusik plant in Valjevo and another facility in Loznica as suppliers of components for 122-mm Grad MLRS rockets and 120-mm mortar shells.

The SVR claims Serbian producers are fully aware that their products ultimately reach Ukrainian forces and are used against Russian troops and civilians. 

These allegations further complicate Serbia’s delicate position between Western alliances and its historical ties with Russia.