RUSSIA’S STRATEGIC INTERESTS AND TOOLS OF INFLUENCE IN THE WESTERN BALKANS
RUSSIA’S STRATEGIC INTERESTS AND TOOLS OF INFLUENCE IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

Author(s): Dimitar Bechev
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, History, Political Theory, Diplomatic history, Political history, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, Political behavior, Politics and communication
Published by: NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
Keywords: Russia; Western Balkans; Economic ties; Interference in domestic politics; Influencing public opinion; Russia's image; Diplomatic alliances; Security cooperation;
Summary/Abstract: On 17 January 2019, Vladimir Putin paid a landmark visit to Belgrade. A jubilant 100,000-strong multitude waving the white-blue-and-red flags of the Russian Federation and Serbia filled the streets, many people bused in from across the country to participate. The hosts greeted their distinguished guest with an artillery salute. Crowds grew ecstatic as Putin and President Aleksandar Vučić made their way to St. Sava, the Balkans’ largest Orthodox cathedral, completed thanks to a grant from Russia. Just weeks away from the 20th anniversary of NATO’s intervention in Kosovo, the hero’s reception Putin was given accentuated the two countries’ burgeoning ties. Vučić discussed his plans for partitioning Kosovo with Russia’s president.

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