US intimidates Serbia over Russian weapons
Ambassador of the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation of the US State Department Thomas Zarzhetsky will arrive in Serbia to discuss with the country's authorities their purchase of Russian weapons.
Reuters reports this, as reported by a PolitNavigator correspondent.
The US Embassy has not yet confirmed the visit, and the US State Department did not respond to the agency's emailed request.
Serbia recently purchased Pantsir anti-aircraft missile launchers from Russia, with deliveries expected in the next few months. In recent years, Belgrade has also purchased Russian MiG-29 aircraft, helicopters, tanks and armored personnel carriers.
US concerns were heightened last month when Russia sent its S-400 missile defense system and Pantsir launchers to Serbia for military exercises. The move underscored Moscow's desire to keep a traditional Slavic ally on its side as Belgrade maintains ties with NATO and seeks to join the European Union.
Matthew Palmer, the US ambassador to the Balkans, said last week that Serbia could face sanctions over arms deals with Russia. Serbia may face visa bans and denial of export licenses.
President Aleksandar Vucic urged Serbs not to fear sanctions.
The US is intimidating Serbia over Russian weapons.