Serbia’s Vučić avoids escalation in tense exchange with Russia over Ukraine arms claims

A war of words simmers as Serbia’s leader stays measured—despite Russia’s sharp accusations. What’s behind the €800M arms controversy splitting alliances?

, and Administrator

2025 November 10 . 7:15 AM

1 min read

There is a person wearing a specs. He is holding a box and some other thing in the hands. On the... — There is a person wearing a specs. He is holding a box and some other thing in the hands. On the box there is an image of a gun and something is written. In the back there are buckets, packets and many other things. In the background there is a wall on that something is hanged. Also there is a poster on the wall.

Serbia’s Vučić avoids escalation in tense exchange with Russia over Ukraine arms claims

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova have exchanged sharp remarks over Serbia's alleged supply of weapons to Ukraine. Vučić, in a measured response, chose not to escalate tensions despite Zakharova's provocative comments.

The dispute began when Zakharova questioned Vučić's consistency, suggesting he holds different views in different settings. Vučić, however, refrained from a harsh response, waiting over a day before commenting. He later explained that he could have reacted more strongly but chose to prioritize Serbia's interests.

The root of the issue lies in allegations that Serbia has been indirectly supplying ammunition to Ukraine via European countries. Reports emerged in 2023, with leaked Pentagon documents suggesting potential supplies worth around €800 million. Russia's SVR accused Serbia of using intermediaries and fake end-user certificates to funnel weapons. Serbia initially denied direct exports to Russia and Ukraine, but public awareness increased around mid-2025, leading to an export ban on Serbian-produced ammunition and weapons in June that year.

Vučić's decision not to engage in a war of words with Zakharova signals a diplomatic approach, focusing on Serbia's national interests. The allegations of ammunition supplies to Ukraine remain a contentious issue, with Serbia maintaining it has no control over the final destination of weapons sold to third parties.