Ukraine LIVE: Russia fury at 'stab in the back' from ally as Kyiv sent £673m in munition

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The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accused on Thursday an ally in Europe of trying to "stab Russia in the back" by providing through its defence industry weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. In a seething message released on its website, the SVR claimed at least seven Serbian defence companies have sent rockets and small arms cartridges to Ukraine using " fake" end-user certificates and "intermediary countries".

The intelligence service went on to allege: "These shipments can hardly be justified on ‘humanitarian grounds.’ Their only obvious purpose is to kill and maim Russian servicemen and civilians." Serbia, which since 2022 has become the home of many Russians escaping Vladimir Putin's call to arms, is one of the closest allies of Russia in Europe and has remained neutral following Russia'aggression of Ukraine. Its president, Aleksandar Vučić, being among the few Western leaders to attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9. Appearing on RTS television, he said to have recently discussed the issue of the arms exports to Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which it was agreed that the two countries form a “working group” to establish how Serbian-made weapons reach the Ukrainian frontlines.

In March, Serbia denied it exported arms to Ukraine. However, an FT report claimed the country exported over £670million worth of ammunition to Ukraine via third countries since the Russian invasion began in 2022, according to the FT. Mr Vučić told the news outlet: "We have friends in Kyiv and in Moscow. These are our Slav brothers. I need to take care of my people, and that’s it."

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