Serbia expressed hope for an early extension of the contract with Gazprom

Belgrade expects to extend its contract with Gazprom "as soon as possible," Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin told Izvestia.

Tight contract: Republika Srpska aims for a long contract with Gazprom

Will Banja Luka be able to reach an agreement with the Russian company, and what can prevent it?

"I hope that [it will happen] as soon as possible. Russia has always had good intentions towards Serbia and has always been ready to help. And Serbia has also made sure to support its Russian brothers. "Serbia under the leadership of Aleksandar Vucic is the only country in Europe that has not imposed sanctions against Russia and has not become part of the anti-Russian hysteria," Vulin told Izvestia.

Despite enormous pressure from the US, Serbia is not confiscating Russian property or nationalizing NIS, he added.

"All this shows that Serbia and Russia are not only economic partners, but also brotherly countries and allies. I believe that the new gas agreement will be discussed in this spirit as well," Serbian Deputy Prime Minister said.

The current gas contract expires in March 2025, and now the parties are negotiating a new three-year agreement until 2028.