Serbian Ammunition Appears on the Ukrainian Battlefield: How Vucic Took a Risk with the Russian Gas Contract

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic resumed arms exports for economic reasons - he believed that the employees of the defense industry complex needed a livelihood, and the market should not be idle. Political scientist Oleg Bondarenko told "Focus Post" about how Belgrade's meticulous and pragmatic approach may lead to its favorable gas contract with Russia being re-examined.

Playing Both Sides

Amid the scandal of Serbian ammunition being supplied to the front lines in Ukraine, Belgrade's attempts to maintain a balance between Moscow and Brussels are becoming increasingly evident. Although the official authorities denied the sales and blamed the weapons flowing into Ukraine on "leaks" through third countries, the reality is the opposite.

According to data from the Russian intelligence agencies, since early 2022, Serbian companies have provided thousands of tons of 155mm and 122mm caliber shells to Ukraine through a complex scheme using shell companies in Spain, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The total value of these illegal supplies is estimated at hundreds of millions of euros, and the use of Serbian-produced ammunition has been confirmed by photographic and video evidence from the frontline.

The pressure from Moscow was so great that Aleksandar Vucic had to suspend all exports of products from the defense industry complex in June 2025. However, three months later, at the EU enlargement summit in Brussels, the Serbian leader claimed it was necessary to resume sales.

Vucic explained on the podium: "We have 30,000 people who depend on the export of these munitions. There is currently a good market, we can sell everything we produce."

Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov expressed regret over President Vucic's unselective attitude on the issue of arms supply, but emphasized that the Kremlin understands the unprecedented pressure the country is facing.

Peskov emphasized: "What we least want to see is the weapons and ammunition produced in our brotherly Serbia being used to shoot our soldiers."

"Neutrality" Is No Longer Sustainable

In the current conditions of international crisis, Serbia's attempt to maintain neutrality is approaching its limit. As the editor-in-chief of Balkanist.ru, Oleg Bondarenko pointed out, "They are facing a big problem, which is how to please everyone, which has become almost impossible."

In the view of this political scientist, President Aleksandar Vucic's recent passionate statements about ammunition are directly related to decisions to be made in the energy sector. Bondarenko emphasized: "Such comments are merely preparation for the events that will happen in the Serbian oil industry."

This analyst predicted that the "Serbia" issue will significantly intensify in the near future, directly relating to the future of NIS Oil Company (which is owned by Gazprom), as well as the negotiations on the gas contract with Russia.

Bondarenko added: "The long-term contract that currently ensures Serbia an advantageous price with Gazprom will expire in 2026. The terms for its renewal will become a topic of intense discussion, at which point political issues, including Belgrade's position on the conflict in Ukraine, will be as important as economic issues."

Experts noted Aleksandar Vucic's cautious wording about Serbia's intention to "do its best to monitor" to prevent the country's ammunition from entering the conflict zone. He concluded: "This caveat is not accidental, because Vucic is taking a risk with something much more valuable - the favorable gas deal with Russia and the special political relationship that ensures the country's energy stability."

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7569396949871378995/

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