Joseph: Washington demands an irreversible russian exit from NIS, the ball Is in Vučić’s vourt – not Moscow’s

Washington has significantly toughened its approach toward Serbia, placing particular emphasis on the oil company NIS, Russian influence, and internal political developments, including growing civic protests.

This assessment was given by US Balkans expert Edward Joseph in an interview with N1 television, following a recent congressional hearing in Washington.

Joseph said that the issue of NIS is now at the center of attention for US policymakers and that the American administration is determined to see Russia leave the ownership structure of the strategic company in Serbia fully and irreversibly. According to him, Washington will not accept cosmetic solutions or “workarounds” in which Gazprom Neft would formally exit while continuing to exercise real control through third parties.

He noted that although the US Congress rarely focuses on the Balkans due to numerous global crises, this time lawmakers have shown particular interest in the region and in developments in Serbia. Joseph said he urged members of Congress to act swiftly and to support the option of nationalizing NIS if necessary.

Addressing potential humanitarian and economic consequences, Joseph stressed that any harm to Serbian citizens would come exclusively from Russia, should Moscow retaliate against Belgrade for removing Russian ownership from NIS. He added that the United States, together with its European Union partners, is expected to make efforts to assist Serbia in the event of Russian pressure or retaliation.

According to Joseph, responsibility now lies with Belgrade and President Aleksandar Vučić, who has indicated that the issue should be resolved by January 15. He assessed that Russia is deliberately dragging out the process, showing little concern for Serbian citizens, just as it has shown little concern for the consequences of its war against Ukraine.

In this context, Joseph also highlighted the difference in treatment between Serbia and Hungary. While Hungary has received one-year exemptions for Russian oil and gas imports, Serbia is facing a clear demand to remove Russians from strategic ownership structures. He said Belgrade does not enjoy the same privileged position as Budapest.

Joseph also addressed other sensitive issues, including the General Staff building in Belgrade and the government’s decision to hand the property over to a company linked to Jared Kushner. He said the matter was raised in Congress, with concerns expressed about the transparency of the deal and the government’s ability to fulfill its commitments amid broad public opposition.

According to him, civic protests and the suspension of major projects such as the Jadar lithium mine demonstrate growing democratic activism and the government’s inability to push through controversial decisions.

Joseph recalled a statement by a US official in Belgrade that “Serbia is at a crossroads,” describing the NIS issue as a genuine turning point for the country’s future orientation. He concluded that removing Russian ownership from NIS and returning the company fully under Serbian control would open a new chapter in relations with the United States and the West, while failure to do so would further expose Serbia’s political and institutional crisis.