The national oil company of Abu Dhabi, ADNOC, is the most likely buyer of the Russian-owned 56.15% stake in Serbia’s oil company NIS, according to journalist Miša Brkić, who spoke to FoNet citing a well-informed insider who requested anonymity.
Brkić stated that President Aleksandar Vučić personally asked the CEO of ADNOC—described as his friend—to purchase the stake and help resolve the long-running issue. “Vučić told him: ‘You are also a friend of Vladimir Putin. Please buy this so we can finally put an end to the dilemma,’” Brkić said, explaining how ADNOC became the leading candidate.
He added that the agreement now awaits confirmation and approval from the U.S. government. “This could finally end the Mexican soap opera served to us by the president,” Brkić commented.
Drawing a parallel with Lukoil, Brkić reminded that a Swedish billionaire purchased Lukoil’s assets but withdrew two days later after U.S. officials advised him to exit the deal, believing Russian influence remained. “Will the same happen here, I don’t know. What I do know is that the Americans are also friends with Sheikh bin Zayed, so they should allow this arrangement to move forward,” he said. Brkić noted that it remains to be seen whether Vučić offered the Sheikh any additional incentives.
Brkić also said that a tanker of crude oil was unloaded at Janaf’s storage terminal in Rijeka but could not be transported to the Pančevo refinery due to sanctions. “We are now waiting to see whether it will be delivered,” he stated.
Further details provided to Nedeljnik reveal that Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed gave initial approval during his first conversation with Vučić. Before negotiations with the Russian side began, he requested an independent valuation of NIS from ADNOC’s management. After receiving the assessment, ADNOC initiated talks.
The Russian side, however, presented its own valuation—reportedly three times higher than ADNOC’s estimate. Although this was an insurmountable gap at the start, the two sides eventually narrowed their positions and reached a preliminary agreement.
According to Brkić’s information, Sheikh bin Zayed agreed that ADNOC-appointed management would replace the current Russian leadership at NIS. A meeting was held in Abu Dhabi between representatives of the seller, the buyer, and Serbia’s Ministry of Energy, during which terms for the management takeover were established.
Before becoming operational, the transaction must receive formal approval from OFAC and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
