Serbian Intelligence Chief Resigns After US Sanctions

Aleksandar Vulin, the head of Serbia's intelligence agency, has resigned after being sanctioned by the United States for his alleged involvement in illegal arms shipments, drug trafficking, and misuse of public office.

Serbia's intelligence chief, Aleksandar Vulin, has resigned after less than a year in the post. Vulin, who has fostered closer ties with Russia and is under sanctions by the United States, said he wanted to avoid possible further embargos against the Balkan nation.

US Sanctions and Accusations

In July, the US imposed sanctions on Vulin, accusing him of involvement in illegal arms shipments, drug trafficking, and misuse of public office. The US Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control said that Vulin used his public authority to help a US-sanctioned Serbian arms dealer move illegal arms shipments across Serbia's borders. Vulin is also accused of involvement in a drug trafficking ring, according to US authorities.

Close Ties with Russia and Advocacy for a "Serbian World"

Vulin is known for advocating close ties with Russia instead of the West and promoting the concept of a "Serbian World" — a carbon copy of the "Russian World" advocated by President Vladimir Putin — that would be made up of all ethnic Serbs living in neighboring states. President Aleksandar Vucic has said the real reason why Vulin has faced US sanctions is his position toward Russia and not corruption allegations.

Resignation Statement

In a statement, Vulin said, "The US and the EU are looking for my head as a precondition for not imposing sanctions on Serbia. I will not allow myself to be the cause of blackmail and pressure on Serbia and the Serbian world. That is why I submit my irrevocable resignation." He added that his resignation would not change the policy of the USA and the EU towards Serbia but would slow down new demands and blackmail. Vulin also said he would not stop believing in "the inevitability of the unification of Serbs and the creation of a Serbian world."

Strained Relationship with the European Union

Serbia is a candidate for European Union membership, but the country's strained relationship with its former province of Kosovo has stymied its application. The nation has been drifting away for years from the path to the EU and is moving instead toward traditional ally Russia.

Vulin's Ouster as a Demand of Anti-Vucic Protests

Vulin's ouster has been among the demands of monthslong street protests by the anti-Vucic opposition in Serbia that erupted in the wake of two mass shootings in early May that killed 17 people, including children.

Vulin's resignation comes amid heightened tensions in the region and Serbia's complex relationship with the West and Russia. It remains to be seen how his departure will impact Serbia's political landscape and foreign policy.