DA S: US committed to Western Balkans integration as counterweight to Russian influence

The US State Department says Russia's fight against Ukraine underscores the urgency and importance of the work of the United States “to help Western Balkan countries achieve their aspirations for European integration and membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions”.

The comment is part of a reaction a State Department spokesman gave to the Voice of America, in response to a question regarding the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement last week “there is information Russia might try to promote a conflict in the Western Balkans”.

“We are committed to working with the countries of the Western Balkans, our European partners and the international community to advance reforms in governance, in the rule of law, in electoral and in the fight against corruption, that would diminish the chances for Russian malicious influence and bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the region”, says the State Department spokesman.

He added that sanctions announced by the State Department and Treasury last week aimed at this very problem, the intersection between the malicious Russian influence and corruption.

The spokesman refers to the US government's proclamation of Serbian politicians as unwanted persons and to imposing sanctions on 12 entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Northern Macedonia, whose activity is linked to the malicious Russian influence in the region and corruption.

The two undermine the region's efforts to progress towards EU membership and a more prosperous future. For the Western Balkan countries, as well as for all countries in Europe, the outcome of Russia's fight against Ukraine, which threatens the foundations of international order and security. That is why it is critical that we continue to stay together in the face of Russia's” aggression, he said.

After President Zelensky's comment, EU spokesman Peter Stano said the malicious Russian influence on the territory of the Western Balkans is not a new concern.

“Russia is doing everything it can to sow disappointment, political instability, is interfering from the outside, is misinterpreting. And that is why we are actually increasing our co-operation and assistance to our partners in the Western Balkans when it comes to strengthening their capacities and capabilities to cope with this form of threats and interventions from outside”, said Mr Stano.