BELGRADE, December 17. /TASS/. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has asked the government to set up a working group for talks with Russia and the United States in light of Washington’s plans to impose sanctions against Serbian oil major NIS, in which Russia holds a stake.

"I would like the government to form a team to address the sanctions the Americans plan to impose on NIS. I would like this team to be comprised not only of cabinet members and experts but also others who will engage in negotiations with the Russians on the one hand, and with the Americans on the other hand. This is something that is extremely important for us and will be a big challenge for both the government and the nation," he said.

"We cannot afford to lose access to oil or deplete our oil reserves. All the ins and outs of why these steps are being taken are clear to us, but being a small country we must look out for ourselves, our citizens and our companies. So, I ask you to set up this team as soon as possible," he said, adding that he wants Prime Minister Milos Vucevic to lead this working group.

The Serbian leader said earlier that the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on NIS from January 1, 2025 would not make Belgrade change its mind and join the anti-Russian restrictions. He promised to take measures to resolve this problem and try to "preserve friendly relations with the Russians and not to spoil relations with those who are imposing these sanctions." NIS told TASS later that it continues operating as usual but was analyzing all possible scenarios and potential consequences of the US sanctions.