Russia has offered Serbia a short-term gas supply agreement that would last only until the end of 2025, far shorter than the Serbian Government had expected. President Aleksandar Vučić noted that Serbia had anticipated a deal extending at least until May 2026, making the offer a significant setback.
Vučić explained that the limited duration was deliberate, as Russia aims to maintain leverage over Serbia by tying future gas deliveries to the treatment of the majority Russian-owned oil company NIS. He suggested that any moves toward nationalization could result in a supply cutoff at the end of the year. Vučić emphasized that Serbia has no plans to nationalize NIS, in line with its position on sanctions.
The situation highlights Serbia’s challenging position in balancing stable energy supplies, sanctions compliance, and the protection of property rights and foreign investment.