Botsan-Kharchenko: Russia seeks solution for NIS in spirit of friendly relations with Serbia

Russian Ambassador Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko told Tanjug that Russia does not intend to give up on finding a solution for Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), and stressed that it is not a matter of saying “we give up, and you live as you want.”

“As far as NIS is concerned, a solution is being sought, and I want to emphasize that it is very important for the process to proceed without explaining certain details, which may not be necessary at this moment and could even be harmful. This is a situation where silence creates the best atmosphere and the best conditions for continuing efforts to find the optimal solution,” said Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko.

He added that such an atmosphere is important because the NIS issue is not simple but rather quite complex. According to the ambassador, it is crucial to understand the causes behind the developments and the situation in Serbia when discussing NIS, as it is a key company for Serbia and the most important in the energy sector.

“The primary reason is the U.S. sanctions, which are neither legitimate nor lawful and do not explain their purpose. It seems these sanctions are aimed at Serbia, as Serbia is in the most difficult situation,” the ambassador said, adding that some media outlets tend to overlook this fact.

When it comes to NIS, he noted, the main reason is often ignored, and criticism immediately arises against Russia, claiming that Moscow should find a solution immediately.

“It is impossible to find a solution instantly or hastily,” he emphasized.

The ambassador reminded that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that there are still steps to be taken before a solution is reached, adding that this is clear because everything is not yet finalized. Botsan-Kharchenko emphasized that the situation around NIS must be viewed in the context of all statements, and especially in light of the very detailed statements by President Vladimir Putin on December 19 during his annual press conference.

“Putin clearly outlined the main and key points, and his statement reflects both determination and a justified hope that we will find a solution that will be primarily in the spirit and framework of our friendly relations,” said Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko.

He added that for the public, the most important thing in such a situation is to know whether there is fuel or not, whether petrol stations have supplies, what the price is, and that there are no queues. The ambassador emphasized that, from NIS’s perspective, the situation in Serbia is the same as it was before the sanctions.

“This demonstrates and confirms that NIS is an extremely serious and strong company, which is the result of our joint efforts. NIS is a company that was prepared not only for the best but also for the most difficult situations, and it can maintain energy stability for the country and stability in the energy market,” he said, stressing that this is the most important aspect.

Botsan-Kharchenko expressed confidence that the period in which a solution is being sought will not harm consumers, including both citizens buying fuel and major consumers such as the agricultural sector or Air Serbia.

“NIS was able to prepare for sanctions only through our intense and close joint cooperation and the exceptional professional activity of the Gazprom group and the Government of Serbia,” he said, noting that this situation also has broader significance for the economic development and stability of Serbia.

The ambassador also pointed out that it is equally important for Gazprom as a company to preserve its functionality and the achieved level of development.