Fact Check: Serbia maintains it does not directly arm either side in Ukraine conflict.

Fact Check: Serbia maintains it does not directly arm either side in Ukraine conflict

What We Know

Serbia has publicly asserted that it does not directly supply arms to either side in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated on June 23, 2025, that the country has halted all arms exports, emphasizing that this decision was made in the interest of national security and economic stability (Kyiv Independent). Vucic denied that this move was a response to allegations that Serbian munitions have reached Ukraine, maintaining that Serbia only sends ammunition to its own military barracks (Kyiv Independent).

Despite these claims, there have been serious allegations against Serbia regarding arms supplies. A leaked Pentagon document from April 2023 suggested that Serbia had agreed to supply arms to Ukraine, contradicting its stated policy of military neutrality (Reuters). Additionally, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service accused Serbia of supplying artillery ammunition to Ukraine through intermediaries, which raises questions about the veracity of Serbia's claims of neutrality (Washington Post).

Analysis

The claim that Serbia does not directly arm either side in the Ukraine conflict is partially true. On one hand, Serbia has officially suspended all arms exports and maintains that it does not directly supply weapons to Ukraine or Russia. This aligns with Serbia's declared policy of military neutrality and its efforts to balance relations between Russia and the West (Kyiv Independent).

However, the reliability of Serbia's assertions is undermined by multiple credible sources indicating otherwise. The leaked U.S. intelligence documents and reports from Russia's intelligence agencies suggest that Serbian arms have indeed reached Ukraine, albeit possibly through third-party intermediaries (Reuters, Washington Post). The Financial Times also reported that Serbian ammunition has been found in Ukraine, further complicating the narrative of strict neutrality (Kyiv Independent).

The sources of these allegations, particularly the leaked U.S. intelligence documents, are generally considered credible, although they may carry inherent biases based on the geopolitical context. Russian intelligence claims, while serious, should be viewed with caution due to potential motivations to discredit Serbia and influence public perception.

Conclusion

The statement that Serbia does not directly arm either side in the Ukraine conflict is partially true. While Serbia has officially suspended arms exports and claims to maintain neutrality, credible evidence suggests that Serbian arms may have been supplied to Ukraine through intermediaries. This discrepancy highlights the complexities of Serbia's position in the conflict and raises questions about the transparency of its military dealings.

Fact Check: Serbia maintains it does not directly arm either side in Ukraine conflict.