Russia is preparing new crises in the Balkans: how this threatens Europe.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Zoran Dimitrovski, believes that Russia may use unresolved conflict issues in the Balkans to provoke new crisis situations in the region.

According to inkorr.com: The Center for Countering Disinformation noted that destabilization of the Balkan Peninsula is part of Russia's long-term strategies aimed at weakening Western unity. Russian special services actively use this region to counteract Euro-Atlantic integration.

Russia's Influence in the Balkans

• Political level: Russia engages pro-Russian parties and politicians to promote its interests in national parliaments and governments.
• Religious factor: The Orthodox Church is used to spread Russian narratives among believers.
• Information warfare: Pseudo-humanitarian centers are created, which are actually hubs of Russian propaganda.
• Economic influence: Pressure through companies with Russian capital and support for separatist movements.

Consequences of Russian Activities

The aim of Russia's actions in the Balkans is to undermine citizens' trust in state institutions and create tension in the region. This provides Russia with an additional tool to pressure the European Union and NATO. Instability in the Balkans also diverts Western attention and resources among various crisis centers, which may lead to reduced support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

Russia's use of a strategy to provoke crisis situations in the Balkans may have significant consequences, impacting not only at the local level but also affecting the stability and security of the entire region. This requires close attention and prompt response from international organizations to prevent possible repercussions of this strategy.