Serbian Citizenship Granted to Russian Elites: A Covert Arrangement Unveiled

Serbian officials have granted passports to numerous Russians with connections to the Kremlin since the onset of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, as reported on Wednesday by the investigative news outlet IStories, referencing government statistics.

Between early 2022 and April 2025, a total of 204 Russians were granted Serbian citizenship, many of whom have ties to Russia’s defense sector and intelligence agencies, according to the report.

Among those who received citizenship are 11 current and former leaders of sanctioned Russian defense companies, along with their family members such as wives and daughters. The companies mentioned include the Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern (KRET), Elekon, the Kazan Optical and Mechanical Plant, and Almaz-Antey.

One individual, Viktor Shendrik, is said to have previously served in the elite Vympel unit of the FSB, acting as a chief bodyguard for President Vladimir Putin and his billionaire allies Arkady and Boris Rotenberg. Other recipients have connections to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov or Umar Kremlev, the president of the International Boxing Association, and his associate, Alexei Rubezhnoy, who heads the Presidential Security Service.

Nine individuals who obtained passports were identified as former or current executives at sanctioned financial institutions, including VTB, Gazprombank, and Dom RF.

According to IStories, none of the newly naturalized citizens are listed on Western sanctions lists, enabling them to travel visa-free throughout the EU. Holders of Serbian passports can enter 29 countries in the Schengen Area, allowing for passport-free travel across a majority of Europe.

Furthermore, IStories noted that over 30 Russians who obtained Serbian passports in 2024 are linked to major Russian state organizations or businesses.

Ilya Shumanov, the former head of Transparency International Russia, suggested that the bulk passport issuance may be part of a secret arrangement between Moscow and Belgrade, where Russia offers financial backing to Serbian authorities.