-
Australian F1 driver Doohan calls for online abuse to stop
-
Japan PM hits out at farm minister over free rice claim
-
Asian markets rebound to track Wall St up as China cuts rates
-
India steel plans threaten global emissions goals: report
-
Trump lambasts management of Washington's Kennedy Center
-
Scarlett Johansson makes nerve-wracking debut as director
-
UK farmers pray for rain amid driest spring since 1852
-
YouTube star educator Ms Rachel draws ire over Gaza appeals
-
Buffeted by political chaos, Taiwan's Lai marks first year in office
-
Seeking to change its fortunes, oil-rich Suriname votes
-
Bolsonaro discussed 'state of siege' after election loss: court told
-
US Open venue to get $800 mln facelift: officials
-
Brazil's ousted football president paves way for succession
-
Trump fuels Biden cancer cover-up claims
-
Rio Tinto invests in major Chilean lithium project
-
Guardiola to decide on Grealish future at end of season
-
Britain, Canada, France warn Israel over 'egregious' Gaza tactics
-
Path cleared for WHO assembly to adopt pandemic agreement
-
Liverpool rocked by Brighton's late fightback
-
US stocks edge higher while dollar dips after Moody's downgrade
-
Rihanna, A$AP Rocky watch Denzel Washington award in Cannes
-
Actors' union sues Fortnite over AI Darth Vader
-
Trump signs bill outlawing 'revenge porn'
-
Top Brazil court hears landmark Bolsonaro coup case
-
CBS News boss resigns amid tensions with Trump admin
-
Eagles sign coach Sirianni to 'multi-year' extension
-
Trump seeks 'major' probe of celebs who backed Harris
-
Prosecutors focus on pattern of violence as Sean Combs trial continues
-
S.Africa says talks with Trump aim to salvage trade
-
After Putin call, Trump says Ukraine talks to start 'immediately'
-
Chile weighs future of charming German village with dark past
-
How Biden cancer diagnosis could have gone undetected
-
UEFA move to defuse anger over Infantino delay at FIFA Congress
-
Biden thanks supporters for 'love' after cancer diagnosis
-
Abhishek blitz knocks Lucknow out of IPL play-off race
-
After Putin call, Trump says Ukraine truce talks to start 'immediately'
-
Italian designer Piccioli named creative director at Balenciaga
-
US top court allows lifting of legal protections for Venezuelans
-
Six Nations 2026 to start on Thursday to avoid Winter Olympics clash
-
El Salvador arrests rights lawyer helping deported migrants
-
Biden cancer diagnosis fuels Trump team's cover-up claims
-
Bolsonaro's trial on coup charges to begin in Brazil
-
Young Cameroonians face prospect of new bid by 92-year-old leader
-
Ex-Tour champion Vingegaard against 'stressful' Montmartre inclusion
-
Cairo-set Cannes thriller takes aim at Egypt's president
-
Nigeria needs good fathers, says director who made Cannes history
-
WHO guiding body gets to grips with budget beset by US pullback
-
Trump targets Beyonce in rant about endorsing Kamala Harris
-
AI talking trees feature at Chelsea Flower Show
-
Monkeys kidnap babies of another species in weird 'fad'
Russia's "Alliance" in the Balkans is sinking
Over the past decade, Russia has prided itself on maintaining strong relationships with several Balkan nations. This bond, often rooted in shared Slavic heritage, Orthodox Christian traditions, and historical ties, was once perceived as a strategic platform for Moscow to expand its influence in Southeast Europe. Yet recent developments suggest that Russia’s alliance in the Balkans is beginning to unravel, leaving the Kremlin facing new diplomatic challenges in a region long considered sympathetic to its interests.
Eroding Political Influence
Serbia has historically been Russia’s most steadfast partner in the Balkans, buoyed by a sense of cultural kinship and mutual geopolitical interests. However, Belgrade has gradually moved closer to the European Union, seeking membership and deepening economic cooperation with Western nations. While Serbia has not openly broken away from Russia, analysts point to its growing emphasis on European integration as a signal that Belgrade may be distancing itself from Moscow’s orbit.
Montenegro, once firmly in Russia’s sphere of influence, joined NATO in 2017. This move was seen by many as a major blow to the Kremlin’s strategic goals in Southeast Europe, undermining the perception that the region was decidedly pro-Russian. The country’s pivot toward Western defense structures continues to stand as a stark reminder that Kremlin-friendly governments can rapidly realign when broader interests are at stake.
Economic Factors and Energy Ties
One of Moscow’s most effective levers of power in the Balkans had been its role as a key energy supplier. Gas agreements and oil contracts bolstered Russia’s foothold, offering local governments reliable—if sometimes politically fraught—access to affordable energy. Yet Europe’s ongoing efforts to diversify its energy supply and reduce dependence on Russian resources have started to weaken Moscow’s sway.
In Serbia, plans to link up with alternative pipelines from neighboring countries could mitigate Russia’s longstanding energy dominance. Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina, another state traditionally viewed as within Russia’s sphere, is actively discussing more diversified energy routes. These shifts dilute Russian economic clout and further complicate Moscow’s capacity to maintain a strong presence in the region.
Shifting Public Opinion
While Russia has long relied on cultural diplomacy to foster goodwill among Balkan citizens, recent surveys suggest a notable shift in public sentiment. The economic and social benefits of closer ties with the European Union—such as access to scholarships, visa-free travel, and foreign direct investment—have made many Balkan citizens view Brussels as a more appealing partner than Moscow.
Moreover, Russia’s military actions on other fronts have prompted anxiety among certain Balkan populations who fear that aligning with Moscow could strain relationships with the West and hinder their own EU accession hopes. In societies where European integration is a near-universal aspiration, it is becoming increasingly challenging for pro-Russian narratives to maintain broad popular support.
Geopolitical Ramifications
Russia’s diminishing influence in the Balkans highlights a broader global trend: competing blocs vying for regional sway, with the EU, NATO, and other Western entities making decisive inroads. For the Kremlin, losing ground in Southeast Europe carries political and strategic consequences that ripple beyond the region. By the same token, Balkan states searching for reliable alliances may shift even more decisively toward Western institutions.
Diplomatic experts note that unless Russia reevaluates its strategy—perhaps by offering new forms of economic or security cooperation—it risks being sidelined in a part of Europe it once considered a reliable staging ground for extending its influence.
Conclusion
As Serbia edges closer to EU membership, Montenegro cements its position in NATO, and other Balkan countries explore alternative partnerships, the solid ties that once bound the region to Moscow are fraying. Historical and cultural connections remain, but for many Balkan governments, the imperatives of economic development and European integration are taking precedence over maintaining a robust alliance with Russia. Unless Moscow adapts its approach, it may find its influence in Southeast Europe reduced to a shadow of its former strength, marking the end of an era in Balkan geopolitics.

How melting Alpine glaciers affect valleys

The EU Commission and its climate targets?

Irish government to subsidise school books

European democracy is weakening, report warns

Low demand: electric vehicles clog Belgian port

EU calls for tougher measures for a ‘tobacco-free generation’

This Summer experiences Romania first heatwave

Mike Pence: U.S. will continue to support Ukraine

Activists organise "flotilla" with aid for Gaza

Holy souls on display at 2024 Venice Biennale

Brussels, my Love? EU-Market "sexy" for voters?
