Russia to open defense ministry office in Serbia

MOSCOW ( Reuters) - Russia has authorized its defense ministry to open an office in Serbia, a government document showed, as Moscow pushes to expand military ties with its traditional Balkans ally even as Belgrade seeks to join the European Union.

Serbia last month suspended military drills with foreign troops for six months, citing pressure from the EU to withdraw from joint exercises with Russia and Belarus.

The Russian government order, dated Oct. 15 and signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, said the head of the proposed office would assist in resolving military and technical questions over RussianSerbian cooperation.

The agreement, once signed by both parties, would give the Russian official in Serbia the right to visit Serbian divisions that use Russian weapons and military equipment, provided prior notice and consent were given.

Officials from Serbia’s defense ministry could not be immediately reached for comment.

Serbia, whose military is based on ex- Soviet weapons technology, has procured MiG- 29 fighter jets as well as helicopters, tanks and armored personnel carriers from Russia in recent years.

On Oct. 10, in a show of revamped military power, Serbia’s army staged a major training exercise, demonstrating combat use of Russian- made weapons, including the Pantsir anti- aircraft system. It also displayed combat drones recently acquired from China.

Serbia is performing a delicate balancing act between its ambition to join the EU and its historical ties with Russia and China, which support its refusal to recognize the independence of its former southern province Kosovo.

Russia, meanwhile, is vying to keep fellow Orthodox Christian, Slavic Serbia within its sphere of geopolitical influence, with the opening of a defense ministry office a signal of Moscow’s intent.