Russia’s approach to the Western Balkans is opportunistic, with the aim of slowing down the process of integration into the European Union. This was said in the presentation of the research “Between Continuity and Change: Russian Influence and Security Challenges in the Western Balkans Since Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine” by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES). In this research it was emphasized that the impact this war has had on Europe and beyond is colossal. The approach of the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, was also considered dangerous, despite the Western pressure.
In presenting the findings, Jeta Loshaj from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) emphasized that more than two years have passed since Russia began its unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Furthermore, Loshaj said that Russia’s approach to the Western Balkans is opportunistic and that the aim is to slow down the process of integration into the European Union.
Maksim Samorukov, who is an associate at the “Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center”, said that the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, is pushing the Russian agenda forward.
Meanwhile, the professor at the Faculty of Law of North Macedonia, Aleksandar Spasov, thinks that the region is not a subject in relations with Russia.
The former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Ditmir Bushati mentioned three areas in which Russia seeks to exert influence in the region.
According to him, the third source of influence is related to gas and energy.
This report states that the consequences of the war in Ukraine are disturbing, while Kosovo has sanctioned Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Thousands have been killed and millions more displaced by the war. As a result of the war, Ukrainian cities have turned into ruins. Recently, the US Congress has approved the military aid package for Ukraine. The aid amounts to 61 million dollars. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has continuously said that his country needs more weapons. /Sh. Pajaziti/
