Lavrov defends Gazprom Neft-MOL deal as strategic win for Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has defended the agreement between Gazprom Neft and Hungary’s MOL to sell a stake in the Serbian oil refinery NIS, insisting it was in Russia’s interests.

Speaking at a press conference reviewing Russian diplomacy in 2025, Lavrov said the deal “would not have been reached if it were disadvantageous to Russia,” Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

He added: “If this arrangement were unprofitable for the Russian side, including Gazprom, it would not have been concluded.”

Lavrov described the situation in Serbia as mutually beneficial and stressed that Russia remains open to cooperation with all countries, including potential engagement with the United States in the Balkans.

The foreign minister also recalled past comments by the European Union, noting that when the bloc was active in the Balkans, others had no role to play—a reference to Russia’s readiness to assist the region at the time.

Lavrov cited former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, who said that when the EU acts, others “have nothing to do” there.

Gazprom Neft had previously confirmed that it signed an agreement with MOL outlining plans to sell Russia’s stake in Serbia’s NIS.

By Aghakazim Guliyev