Energy expert Miloš Zdravković has expressed skepticism about the possibility of NIS (Naftna Industrija Srbije) being sanctioned, calling the information “completely unbelievable.” He shared his views during an appearance on the Novi Dan program on N1, emphasizing that such sanctions would not harm Russia and questioning what options Serbia would have if sanctions were imposed. Zdravković stated that there is still no official confirmation of the sanctions, only media speculation, primarily within the domestic media.
He also challenged the official explanation behind the U.S. sanctions, which aim to stop the war in Ukraine and target Russia’s budget. Zdravković argued that this rationale doesn’t make sense, particularly when considering Serbia’s negligible influence in the global oil industry. “We like to think of ourselves as very important and significant, but in the world oil business, Serbia is virtually inconsequential,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Zdravković pointed out that if sanctions were enforced, Serbia would likely have very limited options in responding. He noted that no one has ever attempted a nationalization or violent takeover of a superpower’s property, implying that Serbia would be unable to take drastic measures.
Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed that U.S. Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment, Jose Fernandez, told him that the United States intends to impose direct sanctions on NIS.
