Serbia counts on Putin's support for Russian gas discount
Quick Look
- Serbia's former deputy prime minister, Aleksandar Vulin, expressed confidence in continued Russian support for gas supplies and pricing ahead of the St.
- Petersburg International Economic Forum.
- Vulin anticipates President Putin's backing for favorable terms on Russian gas.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Serbia is seeking favorable terms for Russian gas supplies, with its former deputy prime minister expressing confidence in President Putin's support. The interview comes ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Reports of a prevented sabotage attempt on the TurkStream pipeline in Serbia were also mentioned.
MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Serbia is counting on the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a discount on Russian gas, Serbia’s former deputy prime minister and now chairman of the Supervisory Board of state gas company Srbijagas Aleksandar Vulin said in an interview with TASS ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
"I am confident that it (the contract for Russian gas supplies to Serbia -- TASS) will be extended," Vulin noted. "And even if we have not concluded a new long-term contract, we do have a short-term one, but a contract on the best possible terms, with the best price and the best volume of gas. Therefore, President [Vladimir] Putin will not allow us to experience difficulties this winter. I am absolutely certain, absolutely sure, that we will continue to enjoy President Putin’s support in the future," he added.
He also stressed that the Russian leader has always firmly supported Belgrade.
Commenting on reports about an attempted act of sabotage on the Serbian section of the TurkStream gas pipeline, Vulin said that he was not involved in the investigation. "Everything I know about it, I know from the media, so I cannot comment on it," he added.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on April 5 that an act of sabotage on the Serbian section of TurkStream, which is of key importance for the country’s and the region’s energy supply, had been prevented. The aim of the attempted sabotage on the pipeline connecting Serbia and Hungary was to halt gas supplies to Bratislava and Budapest ahead of the Hungarian parliamentary elections on April 12.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place on June 3-6. The forum’s main theme is "Pragmatic Dialogue: The Path to a Stable Future." The program is focused on shaping a new model of global development amid the transformation of the world economy.
The agenda includes the SME Forum, the Creative Industries Forum, the International Youth Forum "Day of the Future," and the Pharmaceutical Security Forum. The cultural program will feature the Petersburg Seasons festival, as well as the traditional SPIEF Sports Games.
The forum is organized by the Roscongress Foundation. TASS is the forum’s general information partner.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Serbia will continue to receive Russian gas supplies on favorable terms.
Likely · Short term
Open Questions
- What specific discount is Serbia hoping for?
- What are the current terms of the gas contract?
- What was the outcome of the investigation into the TurkStream sabotage attempt?
- What is the broader context of energy negotiations between Serbia and Russia?
