Serbia's Vučić plans talks with Putin after US sanctions on NIS, demanding Gazprom's exit. The sanctions could impact Serbia's economy and its deal with Moscow.
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić said on Friday he would hold talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin after the US targeted Serbia's main oil and gas company, NIS, with sanctions over Russian ownership.
In a press conference, Vučić stated that the US is demanding the immediate removal of the Russian state-owned company Gazprom from the corporation.
"From what we've seen, it's more about 'removal' than 'reduction.' They won’t even allow a 49-percent option; they want a complete exit from NIS," the Serbian president said.
"NIS might be able to continue its regular operations, but we would need to immediately begin a plan to change the ownership structure," he added.
Details of the sanctions' demands are scheduled to be explained in a joint press conference between Serbian and US representatives on Saturday.
There is speculation that the talks with Putin may focus on Serbia buying Moscow’s stake in the company.
Until now, Serbia has benefited from a competitive edge due to its agreement with Russia. The newly imposed sanctions, however, might deal a significant blow to the country’s economy, according to authorities.