In fresh weeks, erstwhile Europe's attention is focused on Ukraine, tensions in the Western Balkans have increased. The leaders of the region are afraid that Russian president Vladimir Putin will usage this minute to further deepen existing divisions in the erstwhile Yugoslavia. Russia's policy in the region is increasingly active and cooperation with Serbia is peculiarly important.
The British abroad Minister, David Lammy, has late visited the region, informing against “the long hand of Russian interference” and pointing out that Russian president Vladimir Putin has an interest in destabilising the area. Moscow, according to British and Kosovan sources, actively supports Serbia's activities in the region – from intelligence operations to spreading misinformation.
In Serbia, the interior situation is not optimistic either. The wave of mass protests – the largest in years – broke out after a construction disaster in Nowy Sada, in which 16 people died. Citizens accuse the authorities of corruption and ties to controversial investments, specified as the planned construction of Jared Kushner's hotel complex at the site of the bombed defence Ministry in Belgrade.
Authorities have besides been accused of utilizing illegal acoustic weapons against demonstrators, which president Alexandar Vučić denies. Meanwhile, tensions with Kosovo are reaching out. In 2023 the Orthodox monastery was under siege by armed attackers, which Pristina considered an act of aggression inspired by Belgrade.
A fewer months later, sabotage of energy and water infrastructure was called a "terrorist act" in Kosovo. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti warns of the "real threat of war", pointing to Serbia's increasing cooperation with the "triangle of evil" – Russia, China and Iran.
According to European Union data, in 2022 Serbia was the 4th largest importer of goods from Russia in the Western Balkans region, behind Kosovo, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the same year, Serbia exported more than EUR 1.3 billion of goods to Russia, which represented around 10% of the full Serbian exports.
The president of Kosovo Vjos Osmani does not dress in words, calling Serbia "a mad hegemonic neighbor", and accusing her of interfering in elections and of conducting spy operations under cover of humanitarian aid. At the same time, it calls on the West to take a clear stand towards Belgrade's policy and to sign a defence and economical agreement with Britain.
The West faces a hard choice. On the 1 hand, it seeks to attract Serbia to the European Union, hoping to access valuable natural materials specified as lithium. On the another hand, ignoring the increasing authoritarian urges of the authorities and tolerating cooperation with Moscow can cost a lot, both politically and strategically.
According to the global Monetary Fund, Serbia has the highest level of debt in the Western Balkans region, reaching over 50% of GDP. At the same time, Kosovo has the highest unemployment rate in the region, reaching over 30%.
The diary points out that, given the forthcoming minute of EU enlargement to Ukraine, the time for decisive action against the Western Balkans is limited. -Or they will decision forward, or they will stay a playground for Russia – says 1 of the British officials who wants to stay anonymous.
- Paradox is alive here - so the Western Balkans summed up Lama. This is best seen on the example of Serbia, which, on the 1 hand, discreetly sent weapons to the fighting Ukraine and, on the another hand, conducts business interests with Moscow and Beijing.
- Vladimir Putin hopes to stay in power until his death - said late the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenski. He added that Russia's leaders' ambitions are not limited to Ukraine, but could lead to "direct confrontation with the West".
Zelenski answered the question about what he thought Putin was afraid of. Zelenski first speculated that Putin was afraid of destabilising Russian society due to many factors, and then spoke amazing words. The second thing he's afraid of is, well, losing his power. This besides depends on the stableness of society, but besides on its age. He will shortly die, it is simply a fact, and it will all be over – stated the Ukrainian leader.
Continued here:
Tensions in the Western Balkans: Will Russia usage the moment?
