State Department: Russia with malicious intentions towards the Western Balkans

Matthew Miller, the newly appointed spokesman for the U.S. State Department, has announced a series of actions by the United States to counter Russia’s malicious maneuvers in the Western Balkans region.

In a statement published on the platform X, Miller makes clear the U.S. position to crack down on corrupt individuals who jeopardize the integrity of state institutions throughout the Balkans and to increase their accountability.

“While we oppose Russia’s destabilizing actions in the Western Balkans, we are also committed to punishing those corrupt actors who seek to undermine the institutional foundations of the region,” Miller said.

On this topic, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has sounded the alarm that Russia’s long-standing ambitions remain unchanged and warned of possible Russian efforts to instigate a new conflict in the Balkans in the near future.

“Today, everyone is discussing the crisis in the Middle East. But like I said before, frankly, it’s not yesterday’s problem. Everyone knows about this constant conflict and constant war, but no one wants to end it because it is convenient,” Zelensky said. “Behind the ‘explosion’ in the Middle East is Russia, we are sure, with its ally Iran,” Zelenskyi told African journalists, Telegrafi reports.

Zelenskyi asked for attention to be paid to the Balkans, as he had information about Russia’s malicious plans.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has also commented on Zelenskyy’s remarks.

“Pay attention to the Balkans. Believe me, we are getting the information. Russia has a long plan: Middle East, the second distraction will be the Balkans. At least if the countries of the world don’t do anything now, then there will be another such ‘explosion,’ and again, this is not a new story. Russia will invest in ensuring that one Balkan country fights another”, said Ukranian leader.

Meanwhile, Plenkovic stated that President Zelensky’s message is very clear in terms of a wider threat.

“Russian aggression against Ukraine has the function of destabilizing the countries bordering the European Union,” Plenkovic said. /Telegrafi/