Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met with U.S. Congressmen Michael Turner (Ohio) and Donald Norcross (New Jersey) on Sunday, focusing primarily on the future of Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS)—the country’s national oil company currently placed under U.S. sanctions due to its majority Russian ownership.
Vučić announced the meeting on Instagram, stressing that “the functioning of NIS is of great importance for Serbia” and expressing confidence that the issue would be resolved soon. He added that Serbia and the United States remain committed to strengthening bilateral relations and discussing issues of mutual interest.
NIS was added to the U.S. sanctions list in January, with sanctions formally taking effect on October 9 after months of delay. The American administration has made it clear that sanctions will remain in force until Russian ownership is removed, framing the measure as part of Washington’s efforts to cut off funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
According to current reports, there are three potential buyers interested in acquiring Russia’s stake in NIS, though none of the parties—including NIS and its majority owner, Gazprom Neft—have disclosed any details to Radio Free Europe.
Serbia has depended on Russian energy for more than 25 years, and the government has maintained close cooperation with Moscow even after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a stance that has repeatedly placed Belgrade at odds with its Western partners.
The meeting between Vučić and the U.S. delegation comes at a time when Washington is increasing pressure on Serbia to distance itself from Russian strategic influence, particularly in the energy sector—a domain viewed as critical for both regional stability and Serbia’s alignment with Western policies.
