Serbia Halts All Arms Exports Amid Geopolitical Strains

Serbia has suspended all arms and ammunition exports following accusations from Russia that Serbian weapons were reaching Ukraine through intermediaries, despite Serbia's official policy of neutrality. President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the halt is intended to prioritize national security and replenish Serbia's domestic stockpiles, with any future exports requiring special approval from the National Security Council and relevant authorities. The suspension also affects planned sales to Israel amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, though Vučić emphasized Serbia's desire for peace and its friendly relations with both Israel and Iran. Moscow's Foreign Intelligence Service accused Serbia of covertly supplying munitions to Ukraine, straining the historically close ties between Serbia and Russia. Vučić denied that the export ban was a direct reaction to Russian pressure, citing Serbia's ongoing effort to maintain a balance between Moscow and the West. The decision highlights Serbia's attempts to navigate mounting international scrutiny while upholding its official neutrality.