According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia wants to divert attention from the war in Ukraine with multiple crises. After the Middle East, the Kremlin now has plans to destabilize the Balkans. The government in Kiev has proof of this, Zelensky said.
Russia and its ally Iran were behind the escalation between Israel and Hamas, which began with an attack by the terrorist organization on October 7, the head of state claimed to journalists from African countries, according to Ukrainian media.
“Russia has a plan”
“Pay attention to the Balkans. Trust me, we’re getting information. Russia has a long-term plan. First we had the Middle East, the second distraction will be the Balkans,” Zelensky said on Wednesday. He warned of new potential challenges that could follow.
Relations between the Balkan countries have been tense for some time. Therefore, Russia will ensure that one state is ‘at war’ with the other. “If our partners do not act now, there will be another explosion and a new narrative will emerge,” Zelensky warned.
Conflict between Serbia and Kosovo
He did not mention any country by name. However, the situation between Serbia and Kosovo has been tense for some time. Deadly clashes broke out in northern Kosovo in September. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as a separate state and still considers it part of the country. Nationalist Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has repeatedly attracted attention with aggressive rhetoric and maintains close relations with Russian head of state Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky also mentioned the Republic of Moldova, where Russia is currently inflaming the situation with the aim of “demolishing” the current pro-European government. Moscow wants to draw the attention of the international community to many different problem areas.
Russian threats against Moldova
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who paid a solidarity visit to the country bordering Ukraine, also spoke on Thursday about Russian threats to Moldova. Moscow tried to use gas supplies as leverage. Moldovan President Maia Sandu also spoke during a meeting on Thursday about Russia trying to influence political parties in her country and bribe voters.
Source: Krone
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