Botsan-Kharchenko: Russian side has no intention of turning its back on Serbia in this situation

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko, told RT Balkan that the embassy was in constant contact with the management of Naftna industrija Srbije and stressed that the company was quite well prepared for the situation, because it had been known known that sooner or later there would be increased tension and the entry into force of American sanctions.

– They have both supplies and the ability to cope. In any case, I think that we should not expect shortages or alarms in the market, even when it comes to Serbia’s energy security – said Botsan-Kharchenko.

He said that there would be more contacts between NIS and the Serbian side and Gazprom and the Russian side, as well as between the governments of the two countries.

– I would rather not discuss the details, or talk about what is possible. I just want to say that today, when sanctions have been introduced, the most important thing is to accept this without any heightened emotions, because it is not a surprise to us. The solution was adopted by the American side a long time ago, there were delays, but in the end, it is a completely political solution, there is nothing in the background related to the economy and energy. It is a completely political solution – the Russian ambassador emphasized.

Botsan-Kharchenko once again reiterated that Gazprom was a reliable partner and that he wanted and liked to say that “the Russian side has no intention of turning its back on Serbia in this situation.”

– As part of our bilateral cooperation, Serbia will have energy security as before – said the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Belgrade.

He added that contacts would continue in the coming days and that “there may be something new.”

Ambasada Ruske Federacije Beograd

NIS a.d. Novi Sad

Gazprom Moscow

Embassy of the Russian Federation

Naftna industrija Srbije

Gazprom

Aleksandr Botsan Kharchenko

sanctions on NIS