Russia is seeking urgent consultations with Serbia following US sanctions. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he hopes to receive a response soon regarding the ownership of Serbia's oil industry, which is currently largely owned by Russian firm Gazprom Neft.
"Of course, we want relations with Serbia to be based exclusively on the interests of the peoples of Serbia and Russia, on the interests of our states that are common on most issues. These relations are rich in agreements and concrete projects, including those in the energy field," said Sergey Lavrov.
Lavrov adds that the situation, even from a legal point of view, requires extremely bold decisions. He also claims that the United States and the European Union are rubbing their hands against Serbia, demanding that it betray Russia.
"And when President Vučić says: 'We will not deviate from the path of membership in the European Union', for many years, and during all these years he hears in response: 'Yes, we are waiting for you here, but for this you must first recognize the independence of Kosovo', that is, the Serbian people, the Serbian president is called upon to self-humiliation by the EU against the Russian Federation," adds the Russian diplomat.
The Russian minister adds that outgoing US President Joe Biden is seeking to harm Serbia and the Donald Trump administration.
Regarding US sanctions, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met with Russian Ambassador to Belgrade Aleksandar Bochan Kharchenko. He called for the start of numerous consultations and meetings to enable the functioning of the oil industry, NIS, while Washington has set a 45-day deadline for the change of ownership from Russian to Serbian. (A2 Televizion)
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