NATO concerned with Russia’s activity in Balkans

NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Curtis Scaparrotti said on Tuesday (February 21) that the alliance is “concerned” over Russia’s activity in the Balkans.

“I do see the activity of the Russians in the Balkans virtually across the Balkans,” Scaparrotti said during a news conference at KFOR headquarters in Pristina.

“I am concerned about ways that Russia has influence in the region that’s not as helpful at times, particularly in the media with disinformation, political influence and etc. And I would just call on Russia to ensure that their activity here is in line with the UN resolution 1244 that we adhere to in order to ensure that we move Kosovo forward and a normalization process forward as well,” he added.

Scaparrotti also assured Kosovo that the alliance will maintain the current troop level in the Balkan country.

NATO air strikes on Serbia forced Belgrade to withdraw its troops in 1999 and deployed a force to maintain the fragile peace. Some 4,500 troops from the alliance are still present with 650 from the United States.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, which was recognised by over 110 countries including the U.S. and most of the EU member states. Russia and its ally Serbia, which considers it part of its territory and supports a Serb minority, are yet to recognise Kosovo’s statehood.