Russia: Talks with Hungary on Sale of Serbian NIS

Russia's GazpromNeft is in talks with Hungarian company MOL regarding the sale of Serbian oil company NIS, according to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

Vučić stated, "We have nothing against it, the Hungarians are our friends. Let this issue be resolved as soon as possible." NIS, the largest oil company in Serbia, has been subject to US sanctions since early October, leading to the shutdown of the refinery in Pančevo.

The US insists on GazpromNeft's withdrawal from NIS, which holds 56.2% of the shares, aiming to prevent Russia from using energy revenues to finance the invasion of Ukraine.

Aleksandar Vučić requested the Russians to "find a solution by January 15," warning that the Serbian state would intervene if the crisis prolongs. Moscow responded through Sergey Lavrov and Vladimir Putin, stating that "any action without Russia's consent will be considered a violation of interstate agreements."

Serbia relies on Russian natural gas. The contract was extended for three months. Vučić expressed satisfaction, while the opposition accuses Vučić of a pro-Russian stance. The Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP) submitted a bill for the temporary nationalization of NIS.