Putin Discusses Gas Supply Contract with Serbia as Relations with Russia and EU Hang in the Balance
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok to discuss the upcoming expiration of a gas supply contract in March 2025.
Despite historically close ties to Russia, Serbia also aims to join the EU, which has put the country in a delicate position following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
With Serbia heavily reliant on Russian gas supplies and ownership of its NIS oil monopoly by Gazpromneft, the country is now looking to diversify its energy sources.
While Vulin's office did not confirm gas supply talks, it emphasized Serbia's commitment to its relationship with Russia, stating that the country will not join NATO or impose sanctions on Russia.
Vulin, who is under US sanctions for alleged ties to "malign" activities, recently visited Russia shortly after Serbia agreed to purchase new Rafale fighter jets from France, signaling a potential shift away from Russian weapons.
Overall, these developments highlight the complex balancing act Serbia faces between its historical ties to Russia and its aspirations to align with the EU, which could have significant implications for the country's energy security and geopolitical positioning.
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