NATO reacts following Serbia arming with Russian missile system

The North-Atlantic alliance has reacted after news that the Serbian state has been equipped with the Russian air defence system, the Express newspaper reports.

Through a NATO statement, it has said Serbia is free to determine for political and security agreements.

Serbia has the right to freely choose its political and security agreements. NATO and Serbia are close partners and we are committed to strengthening our partnership with Serbia, with full respect for its neutrality policy,” says in a response to the Alliance, questioned by Radio Free Europe, regarding the distribution of the antiaircraft missile system “Panzerir S1”, which Serbia bought under the 2019 agreement.

During the weekend we left behind, Russian air defence systems -- Pantsir S1 -- have reached Serbia, despite the warning of sanctions from the United States.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vuciq made the announcement on television Sunday a day after the defence minister confirmed that the country would initially be equipped with two of the six promised systems.

Vuciqi hinted that these systems were bought after Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion.

“Bleye Pantsir, has proved very effective in Syria”, the Russian president quoted Vuciqi as saying at recent meetings.

These systems can be used against missiles, planes, and drones.

Despite officially demanding membership in the European Union, but not in NATO, Belgrade has continued to maintain strong political and economic ties with Moscow.

Sending air defence systems came just a week after Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to Belgrade. /Excpress/