The Russian ambassador called the US sanctions against NIS a response for the abandonment of sanctions against Moscow.

The US sanctions against the Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS) company were a blow to Belgrade for abandoning sanctions against Moscow. This was announced on October 16 by Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botan-Kharchenko in an interview with the newspaper Vechernye Novosti.

"When it comes to American sanctions against NIS, things need to be called by their proper names — this is also a blow to Serbia, probably because you did not impose sanctions against Russia, and because our countries continue to cooperate," the diplomat said.

In addition, the diplomat expressed confidence that Serbia will be able to resist external pressure and not impose anti-Russian sanctions.

Iron onslaught: Western countries increase pressure on Serbia

What are the UK, Germany and part of the elite in the USA demanding from Belgrade?

On October 9, the operator of the Adriatic Pipeline (JANAF) in Croatia suspended cooperation with the Serbian Oil Industry due to US sanctions.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic noted in early January that in the event of restrictions from the American side, the state would be ready to buy out the Russian stake in NIS. According to him, if the company's value is €1 billion, then the share can be bought out for about €600 million.

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