On Tuesday, Charles Kupchan, a high-profile figure who has served as Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council during President Bill Clinton’s first term, and later as Special Assistant to President Barack Obama and Senior Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council, was a guest on Euronews Albania’s program “Balkan Talks.”
Interview Insights:
During the interview with journalist Franko Egro, Kupchan stated that Russia is making every effort to ignite conflict in the Balkans, including with Republika Srpska, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo.
He added that given how the war in Ukraine is progressing, where according to him, Moscow has made a significant strategic mistake, they will effectively withdraw from the Balkans in terms of their influence.
Journalist’s Question:
“But I just wanted to remind you, Professor Kupchan, of President Zelensky’s statement that according to his intelligence, Putin is very interested in causing conflicts in the Balkans. And he particularly emphasized the Balkans. And when mentioning the Balkans, Serbia comes to mind as a very close ally of President Putin,” asked Egro.
Kupchan’s Response:
“Certainly. I think the Russians are doing everything they can in the region, wherever they can find support. Whether in Republika Srpska, Montenegro, Serbia, or North Macedonia, in an attempt to disrupt the balance in the region and to prevent their full integration into NATO and the European Union. Given the historical strategic mistake that Russia has made in Ukraine, considering the depletion of Russian resources caused by the war in Ukraine, I think we know how this story will end. And this means that Russia will effectively withdraw from the Balkans in terms of their significant geopolitical influence,” said Kupchan.
