US imposes sanctions on Serbian intelligence chief over corruption allegations and ties to Russia

The U.S. imposed sanctions on Aleksandar Vulin, head of Serbia's intelligence agency, accusing him of corruption and advancing Russia's interests.
Vulin allegedly facilitated illegal arms shipments for a sanctioned Serbian arms dealer and was involved in drug trafficking.
He has openly opposed Western sanctions on Russia and sought to expand Russian influence in Serbia and the Balkans.
The sanctions aim to hold Vulin accountable and counter Russia's impact in the region as Serbia maintains ties with Moscow.
Serbia's relationship with Russia has challenged its bid for EU membership over ties to Kosovo that Russia exploits.