Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that he does not understand the reasoning behind the U.S. sanctions targeting Serbia’s Oil Industry (NIS), acknowledging publicly that Washington is unlikely to change its decision and grant the licenses needed to maintain operations.
In an appearance on TV Informer, Vučić said that Serbia faces the possibility of its main refinery in Pančevo shutting down within days. Despite his attempts to reassure citizens that there is “no reason for panic,” he painted a picture of an administration caught unprepared and unable to influence decisions of major international partners.
“Kill me, I don’t understand their logic. I’ve had countless conversations with them,” Vučić said, adding that the U.S. sanctions were imposed to force the removal of Russian management and ownership from NIS.
He insisted the measures were “not based on international law”, and blamed regional dynamics for Serbia’s predicament, pointing out that Serbia relies on a single oil pipeline — which Croatia closed immediately after sanctions took effect.
Despite claiming he has tried to comprehend Washington’s rationale, Vučić repeated several times that “there is absolutely no logic in this approach toward Serbia.” He also suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump is not informed about the details of the case, shifting responsibility away from direct diplomatic channels.
A Leadership Style Defined by Complaints, Not Solutions
Critics argue that Vučić’s remarks reflect a troubling pattern: public lamentation instead of transparent governance, strategic planning, or accountability. While admitting he “does not understand” the basic diplomatic reasoning of Serbia’s largest geopolitical partner, Vučić simultaneously claimed pride in being disliked in Washington, Brussels, and Moscow — a posture that observers describe as political theatrics rather than statesmanship.
Vučić insisted Serbia had “no time” to resolve the ownership issues demanded by sanctions, despite U.S. officials reportedly giving Serbia nine months to act. “We are not communists or fascists to seize property,” he said, blaming both Americans and Russians for the situation while absolving his own government of responsibility.
He also referenced decades of historically poor relations with Moscow, questioning whether Serbia had ever truly enjoyed stable ties with Russia — a statement that contradicts years of pro-Russian rhetoric promoted by his administration.
The president concluded by stating he is “not liked anywhere in the region, Washington, Brussels, or Moscow,” presenting this as a point of pride rather than diplomatic failure.
As Serbia faces the prospect of a paralyzed energy sector and growing uncertainty, Vučić’s latest comments raise deeper concerns about a leadership unable or unwilling to navigate international realities, while insisting that the blame lies everywhere except at home.
