Russia May Unleash New Balkan War to Weaken Support for Ukraine and Destabilize the West, Experts Warn
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Ivan Stradner and Mark Montgomery from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies have voiced their concerns about Russia potentially starting a new war in the Balkans in order to undermine support for Ukraine and destabilize the West.
“As Russian forces suffer losses in Ukraine, Moscow stands to gain a lot by creating problems in other parts of the continent,” the article states.
The researchers believe that a new armed conflict would provide Russia with an opportunity to gain local influence through arms trade and mediation, divert attention away from Ukraine, and ultimately gain leverage over Western leaders.
The Balkans have been identified as the most suitable region for Moscow’s “plans.” Tensions have remained high there since the Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001), particularly due to the ongoing issues between Serbia and Kosovo.
Stradner and Montgomery have stated that Russia would not need to send its army to the Balkan countries; instead, it would rely on Serbia to “fuel violence and instability” and bet on NATO wavering.
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin dismissed claims of Russia’s intentions to attack Europe as nonsense.
