Srbijagas CEO Dušan Bajatović stated that a solution must be found to ensure that Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) continues operating. He noted that the Serbian government may need to take certain measures, emphasizing that if Serbia were to assume management of the company, it would not constitute expropriation of Russian assets, but it remains uncertain whether Russia would be willing to sell NIS.
“We set a 50-day deadline; after that, if there is no resolution with OFAC, the state will have to take action. Perhaps that will involve management, we’ll see, but it does not mean direct seizure of assets,” Bajatović told Pink TV.
He expressed doubt that assuming management of NIS would satisfy the U.S., which imposed sanctions on the company, and mentioned that there is growing interest from other companies in Serbia’s oil and gas sector. According to him, several Western analysts have stated that many foreign companies are interested in NIS.
Bajatović praised Serbia’s strategy, proposed by President Aleksandar Vučić and approved by the Serbian government, calling it a “good strategy.”
“In this game of nerves, we have to see it through. President Vučić never acts randomly; I believe today’s meeting was deliberate. Several things are in progress,” he said.
Regarding Russia, Bajatović highlighted the uncertainty of its intentions, saying it is a “big question” whether Russia wants to sell anything.
“There are several issues. Serbia wants to pay €1.4 billion, but how will the money be transferred to Russia? On the other hand, what has been seized could potentially be returned, as Patriarch Pavle once mentioned. We do not know what Russia’s strategy will be. I am not sure the Russians want anyone to seize their assets. I also don’t think Russia or Putin want to jeopardize the support they have in Serbia. They want to create a divide, make us impose sanctions — these are political matters. If they succeed in dividing us from Russia, what have we achieved?” Bajatović concluded.
