“The frontline in Russia’s Cold War lies in the Balkans. Serbia is the epicenter of Russia’s anti-American agenda, which aims to destabilize pro-western states with NATO and EU aspirations,” stated David L. Phillips, Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights for the Huffington Post.
“Serbia is at the epicenter of the Russian agenda, and its ally. Russia has a spy base in Nis in southern Serbia to monitor western activities in the region. When it comes to BiH, this country wants to join NATO, but Russia is tearing it apart by encouraging conflict. Russia has supported the recently held referendum in the RS,” stated Phillips in his analysis of the situation in BiH.
Moreover, he stated that Russia is sending weapons to Serbia and that the majority of citizens of Serbia see Russia as the main economic partner.
“Most people of the Balkans are pro-American and share European values. The US and the EU can effectively confront Russia’s challenge through more extensive engagement in order to stabilize fragile states in the Balkans through security cooperation aimed at preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism.
He added that Putin sees the Balkans as a vulnerable area where he can spread the influence of Russia.
“Putin cynically pursues Russia’s self-interest, projecting influence in the Balkans. He heralds Slavic and Orthodox solidarity but cares little about the targets of Russian influence. To Putin, the Balkans represent a vulnerable underbelly of the West, ripe for meddling,” concluded Phillips in his analysis.
(Source: fokus.ba)
