Title: Serbia’s Intelligence Chief Faces US Sanctions Over Russia Relations, Allegations of Illegal Activities
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia’s president said Wednesday the real reason why the country’s intelligence chief is facing U.S. sanctions is his position toward Russia and not corruption allegations.
The U.S. on Tuesday imposed sanctions on Aleksandar Vulin, accusing him of involvement in illegal arms shipments, drug trafficking, and misuse of public office. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control stated that Vulin utilized his public authority to assist U.S.-sanctioned Serbian arms dealer Slobodan Tesic in smuggling illegal arms across Serbia’s borders. The Treasury also alleged Vulin’s involvement in a drug trafficking ring.
“Sanctions have not been imposed on Aleksandar Vulin for any crime, corruption, or anything,” Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic said. “The sanctions were imposed because of his position toward the Russian Federation.”
The imposition of sanctions on Vulin has raised concerns in Serbia, a candidate for European Union membership that maintains friendly relations with Moscow.
Vulin, a vocal supporter of Russia, was appointed as the spy chief for the Balkan state last year. Prior to this role, he served as Serbia’s interior minister, during which he visited Moscow in August last year, emphasizing Belgrade’s refusal to join Western sanctions against Russia amid the crisis in Ukraine.
During his visit to the Russian capital, Vulin emphasized that “Serbia is the only state in Europe that didn’t introduce sanctions and was not part of the anti-Russian hysteria.”
Vulin’s ouster has become one of the key demands of the ongoing street protests in Serbia, which erupted following two mass shootings in early May.
Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesperson, underlined that the U.S. remains committed to holding individuals accountable who prioritize their political agenda and personal gain at the expense of peace, stability, and Russia’s influence in Serbia and the Western Balkans region.
The allegations against Vulin add to the significance of the protests in Serbia, where citizens are increasingly expressing concerns over corruption and the influence of Russia. With its aspirations for EU membership and its strategic location in the Balkans, the situation in Serbia is being closely watched by Western powers.
It remains to be seen how these developments will impact Serbia’s relationship with both the United States and Russia and whether further action will be taken against Vulin in response to the sanctions.