BELGRADE, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The United States will impose sanctions on NIS, Serbia's largest energy company, from Oct. 1, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Thursday, calling the decision "expected but unpleasant."
Speaking in New York, Vucic said Serbia is "collateral damage" of strained U.S.-Russia relations, as Russia's Gazprom Neft holds a majority stake in NIS.
The sanctions had been postponed six times but the final delay expires on Sept. 30, according to Serbia's broadcaster RTS.
Vucic warned the sanctions could hinder NIS's operations, including salary payments and financial transactions, as banks may refuse to cooperate.
NIS, which produces, refines, and distributes oil and gas, is a key pillar of Serbia's economy. The Serbian government sold a 51 percent stake to Gazprom Neft in 2008, with the Russian company later increasing its share. ■