Fact Check: Serbia exported roughly $800 million in ammunition to Ukraine since 2022.

Fact Check: "Serbia exported roughly $800 million in ammunition to Ukraine since 2022."

What We Know

The claim that Serbia has exported approximately $800 million in ammunition to Ukraine since 2022 is supported by multiple sources. According to the Financial Times, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed that the figure of €800 million (approximately $855 million) is broadly accurate, although he noted that this amount reflects exports over a period of two to three years rather than a single year. He stated, “We cannot export to Ukraine or to Russia . . . but we have had many contracts with Americans, Spaniards, Czechs, others” (Army Recognition). This indicates a complex supply chain where Serbian ammunition is sold to third parties who then supply Ukraine.

Additionally, reports from Newsweek and Ukrainian Pravda corroborate the claim, emphasizing that the ammunition exported from Serbia has reached Ukraine through intermediary countries. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy has not tracked Serbian activities directly but acknowledges the ambiguity surrounding the flow of arms from Serbia to Ukraine (Financial Times).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes primarily from the statements of Serbian officials and analyses by reputable news outlets. The Financial Times is generally considered a reliable source, known for its thorough investigative journalism. However, it is essential to note that the actual flow of ammunition is somewhat opaque, as Serbia does not officially track these exports to Ukraine, and the data may not be fully transparent (Financial Times, Army Recognition).

While Vučić's comments indicate a willingness to engage in arms sales for economic reasons, his assertion that Serbia does not directly export to Ukraine or Russia raises questions about the ethical implications of these transactions. The indirect nature of these exports, facilitated through third-party countries, complicates the narrative and highlights the geopolitical nuances at play.

Moreover, the claim's partial truth stems from the ambiguity surrounding the timeframe and the nature of the exports. Vučić suggested that the €800 million figure is not for a single year but rather over a longer duration, which could mean that the claim is somewhat exaggerated if interpreted as a yearly figure (Army Recognition, Financial Times).

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Serbia exported roughly $800 million in ammunition to Ukraine since 2022 is partially true. While credible sources confirm the €800 million figure and its indirect nature through third-party sales, the timeframe and context of these exports suggest that the claim may not represent a straightforward annual figure. The complexity of the situation, including Serbia's political stance and the indirect nature of the exports, adds layers to the interpretation of this claim.

Fact Check: Serbia exported roughly $800 million in ammunition to Ukraine since 2022.