Putin's Plan: Discussing Gas Supply Contract with Serbia
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his intention to discuss a gas supply contract with Serbia, set to expire in March 2025, during a meeting with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
Serbia, a country with historical ties to Russia and aspirations to join the EU, has been walking a fine line since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While condemning the military action, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic has refrained from joining European sanctions against Moscow.
With a heavy reliance on gas supplies from Russia and majority ownership of its NIS oil monopoly by Russia's Gazpromneft, Serbia is now looking to diversify its energy sources.
Vulin's recent visit to Russia, following an agreement with France's Dassault Aviation for the purchase of 12 new Rafale fighter jets, signals a potential shift away from Russia as Serbia's major weapons supplier.
Analysis:
The article discusses the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin to discuss the gas supply contract between the two countries. Serbia, historically close to Russia but also aiming to join the EU, is navigating its relationship with Moscow in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The country's heavy dependence on Russian gas supplies and ownership of its oil monopoly by a Russian company are key factors in these discussions. Additionally, Serbia's recent agreement with France for the purchase of fighter jets indicates a potential shift in its defense partnerships. This development could have significant implications for Serbia's energy security and geopolitical alliances.
