Serbia Aligns with Russia, Refuses to Comply with European Union

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend the natural gas supply contract with Serbia amid the worsening global energy crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.

“I have spoken with the Russian President. We have agreed,” stated Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, as quoted from the Russia Today website on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

The war between the United States (US) and Israel with Iran has caused global natural gas and oil prices to skyrocket due to reduced shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route.

Serbia, which historically has close relations with Russia, has consistently rejected pressure from the European Union to join sanctions or cut energy ties with Moscow over the Ukraine conflict.

The conversation between the two focused on the “strategic partnership” between the two countries, particularly regarding energy supplies, as confirmed by the Kremlin, Russia’s Presidential Palace.

The Serbian President reportedly expressed gratitude for the continuation of “stable gas deliveries” from Russia.

Following the phone call, Aleksandar Vucic told Serbian media that Vladimir Putin had approved the extension of the gas contract for three months, which was due to end on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, receives favourable terms with prices far lower than in most of Europe.

According to the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic also exchanged views on the ongoing US-Israel war in Iran, the Ukraine conflict, and security in Kosovo, as well as the neighbouring country of Bosnia and Herzegovina.