US Embraces Serbia’s Energy Shift to Fend Off Kremlin Influence

  • US diplomat commends Belgrade’s efforts to diversify supplies
  • Fernandez warns against Russia’s ‘weaponization’ of energy
The complex at the Naftna Industrija Srbija AD (NIS) oil refinery, operated by OAO Gazprom Neft PJSC, in Pancevo, Serbia.Photographer: Oliver Bunic/Bloomberg
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The US will support Serbia’s efforts to dial back its reliance on fossil-fuel imports from Russia and accelerate its transition to renewable energy resources, a senior State Department diplomat said during a visit to the Balkan nation.

The visit by Jose Fernandez, the under secretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, underscores Washington’s effort to limit Kremlin influence in a region of southeastern Europe where Russian leader Vladimir Putin still has allies.