Fact Check: "Serbia halts all arms exports amid Russian scrutiny over Ukraine"
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced that Serbia has halted all arms exports, citing national security and economic interests. He stated that Serbia would only send ammunition to its own military barracks and confirmed that all exports were suspended, aligning with Serbia's best interests (Kyiv Independent, RFE/RL). This announcement came amid increasing scrutiny and accusations from Russia, particularly from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), which claimed that Serbia had been supplying arms to Ukraine through intermediaries in Eastern Europe (AP News, Reuters).
The SVR's accusations indicated that Serbian arms, particularly Soviet-era ammunition, were being supplied to Ukraine, which contradicted Serbia's declared neutrality in the ongoing conflict (Kyiv Independent, RFE/RL).
Analysis
The claim that Serbia has halted all arms exports is supported by multiple reliable sources. Vučić's announcement, made during a meeting with military officials, was confirmed by Serbia's Defense Ministry, which stated that all arms and military equipment exports would be suspended (Kyiv Independent, RFE/RL).
The context of this decision is crucial. The SVR's accusations against Serbia were particularly pointed, describing the arms exports as a "stab in the back" to Russia, highlighting the tension in Serbia's diplomatic relations (AP News). While Vučić denied that the halt in exports was a direct response to Russian criticism, the timing suggests a reaction to the heightened scrutiny from Moscow (Kyiv Independent, Reuters).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, including established news agencies such as the Associated Press and Reuters, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. The information is corroborated across multiple outlets, providing a consistent narrative regarding Serbia's arms export suspension.
Conclusion
The claim that "Serbia halts all arms exports amid Russian scrutiny over Ukraine" is True. The announcement by President Vučić, supported by statements from the Serbian Defense Ministry, confirms that Serbia has indeed suspended all arms exports. This decision appears to be influenced by the increasing pressure and accusations from Russia regarding Serbia's alleged involvement in supplying arms to Ukraine.
Sources
- Russia accuses ally Serbia of betrayal for supplying arms to Ukraine
- Serbia halts all arms exports amid Russian scrutiny over Ukraine
- Vucic Halts Ammunition Exports, Says Supplies Will Go To Serbian Army
- Russia's spy agency says Serbia sold ammunition to Ukraine
- Serbia suspends weapons exports amid Russian accusations of arms reaching Ukraine
- Serbia Announces Complete Halt to Weapons Exports
