Newsmax Balkans Exclusive: Serbian Government Preparing a Plan to Remove NIS from U.S. Sanctions List

According to information obtained unofficially by Newsmax Balkans in Washington, the Serbian government is currently developing a plan to resolve the issue of the Petroleum Industry of Serbia (NIS) and to have the company removed from the list of entities under U.S. sanctions.

29.10.2025. 13:51

Newsmax Balkans Exclusive: Serbian Government Preparing a Plan to Remove NIS from U.S. Sanctions List
Foto: Tanjug/NIS

It remains unclear when the plan might be completed or what it will specifically entail. However, according to sources familiar with the matter, the document is intended to demonstrate Serbia’s readiness to find a model that would preserve the country’s energy stability while simultaneously reducing Russian influence in the oil and gas sector.

The Russian side, however, as Newsmax Balkans has also learned from unofficial sources, is firmly determined not to lose its stake in NIS under any circumstances. According to U.S. officials, Moscow’s ownership of this company provides it with significant influence over Serbia - both politically and economically.

From the perspective of U.S. authorities, even the use of payment cards at NIS gas stations is considered inadvisable, as such transactions are believed to funnel money into Russian structures, thereby indirectly financing the war in Ukraine.

Over the past nine months, the United States has postponed potential sanctions against NIS several times, granting the Serbian government additional time to devise its own strategy and present a proposed solution. However, neither the relevant ministry nor the government has yet produced a concrete plan.

Washington has made it clear that freeing Serbia from Russian energy influence is a top priority for the U.S. administration. At the same time, American officials have stressed that the U.S. is prepared to assist only if Belgrade demonstrates clear political will and takes concrete action.

According to Newsmax Balkans’ sources, the message from American diplomats is unequivocal: the next move is up to Serbia.

As a first step, authorities in Belgrade are expected to prevent the financing of Russian interests from domestic sources - a measure that would mark the initial move toward changing the country’s current status.

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