While the US officially sanctions Serbia Oil and Gas Company (NIS), the Russian Ambassador to Belgrade affirmed that Moscow will not turn its back, pledging to maintain supply and stabilize energy for Serbia.
Ambassador Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko said that the US imposition of sanctions on NIS is a pure political decision, not related to economic or energy factors.
The most important thing is to keep a cold head, not to let emotions dominate. The US decision has been prepared for a long time, and when it is implemented, it will be completely political, Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko stressed.
According to the Russian diplomat, Moscow will continue to support Belgrade, ensuring Serbia is not "abandoned in the middle of winter". He affirmed that Russia will not withdraw from energy cooperation with Serbia - Russia's strategic partner in the Balkan region - despite facing pressure from the US.
Gazprom and Russia are still reliable partners. We certainly will not let Serbia take care of itself. Serbia will continue to maintain its energy security as before, he said.
The Russian ambassador also said that the Russian Embassy is in regular contact with the NIS leadership, and that the enterprise has prepared carefully for the sanctions scenario.
They have a backup plan, oil reserves, and the ability to adapt quickly, he said, asserting that the Serbian market will not experience shortages, disruptions or energy panics in the coming time.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic previously admitted that the US sanctions on NIS will have serious political, economic and social impacts on the country. However, he affirmed that Belgrade will not use extreme measures such as naturalization or "evil appropriation of other people's assets".
NIS is one of the pillars of the Serbian economy, with production and processing facilities in Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary. Currently, Gazprom Neft (under Russian energy giant Gazprom) holds a 44.85% stake, Gazprom holds 11.3%, and the Serbian government holds nearly 30%.
US sanctions were announced by the Treasury Department in January 2025, targeting Gazprom Neft, CEO Alexander Dyukov, and NIS company. Washington has repeatedly postponed sanctions, with the last extension taking effect on October 8 and also delayed to October 15.
The NIS said it is proactively adapting to the new situation, including increasing oil reserves and developing alternative payment options in case international payment cards are stopped accepting.
