U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has warned that Russia could seek to destabilize the Western Balkans, describing the region as a potential “second front” for Moscow, as she leads a congressional delegation on a tour of the region.
Shaheen, the senior Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, began her visit to the Western Balkans on Wednesday with a stop in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The delegation also includes Democratic Senator Dick Durbin and is scheduled to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Kosovo between October 6 and 13.
The exact date of the delegation’s visit to Kosovo has not yet been announced.
According to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the trip is focused on regional security, democratic institutions, economic opportunities and relations between Western Balkan countries and the United States. Shaheen is expected to meet government officials, U.S. diplomatic personnel, civil society representatives and young people during the tour.
Sarajevo Honors Shaheen
During her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Shaheen received the title of Honorary Citizen of Sarajevo for 2025 in recognition of her longstanding support for the country and her efforts to strengthen relations between Sarajevo and Washington.
Sarajevo authorities highlighted her support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its Euro-Atlantic integration.
Shaheen received the honor at a ceremony held at Sarajevo’s municipal authorities, presented by Mayor Samir Avdić. She has visited Bosnia and Herzegovina several times and has repeatedly voiced concerns about the country’s political and security situation.
Shaheen Points to Russian Influence Through Serbia
Russian influence and the risk of regional destabilization are expected to feature prominently on Shaheen’s agenda.
In previous remarks to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Shaheen warned that Moscow had an interest in destabilizing the Western Balkans and could view the region as a potential “second front.”
“Russia sees this as a potential second front, and we need to do everything we can to maintain stability in the region,” she said.
Shaheen has also pointed to links between Serbia, the Bosnian Serb political leadership in Republika Srpska and Russia as a source of concern for U.S. policymakers.
She has stressed the importance of maintaining a strong American and international presence in the region, including ensuring that NATO forces in Kosovo and the European Union Force (EUFOR) mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain prepared to respond to emerging security threats.
“We need to make sure the Russians know that these forces are at a high level of readiness and are monitoring what is happening,” she said.
Shaheen co-chairs the Senate NATO Observer Group and has been an active voice on security issues affecting NATO’s southeastern flank.
Concerns Over Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia
Shaheen has previously warned that developments in Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are interconnected and could have wider consequences for regional stability.
She has expressed particular concern about separatist actions by Milorad Dodik, the former president of Republika Srpska, arguing that such moves could threaten the Dayton Peace Agreement and undermine stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In February, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Shaheen discussed these issues with Bosnian Presidency member Denis Bećirović and former international High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt.
She has also argued that the United States must be prepared to counter Russian hybrid warfare in the region.
“This is not only in America’s interest, but also in the interest of our European allies,” Shaheen said.
Her visit comes as regional security, Russian influence and relations between Serbia, Kosovo and Republika Srpska remain important issues for policymakers in Washington and European capitals.
