Serbia is ramping up its ammunition sales to Western countries, with these supplies subsequently reaching Ukraine via third-party nations.
The total value of ammunition Belgrade has indirectly provided to Kyiv is estimated at around €800 million.
Reports indicate that since the start of the full-scale invasion, Serbia’s ammunition exports funnelled through intermediaries to Ukraine have totalled approximately €800 million. This figure has been confirmed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
Vučić framed the increase in arms exports as a business opportunity, stressing that Serbia is not taking sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He highlighted the economic benefits, noting that while Serbia exports ammunition, it cannot sell directly to Ukraine or Russia.
Nonetheless, Serbia has secured numerous contracts with countries such as the United States, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
Vučić mentioned that even if he were aware of the final destinations of the sold ammunition, it is not his concern.
His primary responsibility is to ensure that the transactions are legal and beneficial for Serbia. He emphasized his duty to support his people and maintained that Serbia has friendly relations with both Kyiv and Moscow.
When asked about the accuracy of the €800 million figure, Vučić clarified that this amount is spread over two to three years, not just one.
He also pointed out that Serbian weapons are more affordable than Western alternatives, suggesting that the scale of ammunition exports from Serbia could increase.
Historically, Serbia had a robust military industry during the Cold War as part of Yugoslavia.
The country continues to produce ammunition according to Soviet standards, which are still in use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
It is worth noting that on March 5 last year, President Vučić stated that Serbia had not transferred any weapons or ammunition directly to Ukraine or Russia.
The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has authorized the Ukrainian military to use longer-range missiles to strike targets deep within Russia, beyond the front lines near Kharkiv, if it is for self-defense.
