War in Ukraine and Russian Goals in the Western Balkans
War in Ukraine and Russian Goals in the Western Balkans

Summary/Abstract: Russia has always had a keen interest in the Western Balkans. It washistorically realised in the context of geopolitical continuities of theexpansion of its territory and influence. Russia has tried to gain influencein this region for political, economic, identity and strategic reasons.However, after the start of military aggression against Ukraine in 2014,Russia opted for a confrontation in the Western Balkans where it opposesthe EU and NATO expansion policies and influence of the West in thisregion. Key Russian leverage for spreading its influence in the region isthe Serbian geopolitical design of military neutrality and the convergenceof strategic interests of the two countries. Russia wants to exert a stronginfluence on the Western Balkans, and thus on the security of the EU. Onthe other hand, Serbia wants to position itself as the main actor of powerin the region with simultaneous support from both Russia and the West.

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