In a recent interview with Sputnik, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that Belgrade hopes for Russia’s assistance in the construction of a transit gas pipeline from the border.

"At the border with Bulgaria, we will have to construct a downstream pipeline – ourselves or with the Russian help. So we will receive 9.8 billion cubic meter gas at the border. The branch lines will head for Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pristina, Croatia. And we will get the transit tax," Vucic said on Sunday. According to him, the plan can be implemented if a gas hub in Bulgaria is constructed.

"When they create this hub somewhere on the way toward Varna, the gas will head for Sofia and from there – to Serbia," Vucic said.

The president added that if implemented the project could provide Servia with $114-171 million a year.