Macedonia: We have reliable information on the presence of Russian intelligence in the north.

Defence Minister Ejup Macedonia has declared Russian intelligence involved in Serbian illegal structures in northern Kosovo. In an interview for Croatian newspaper Večernji ListHe has stressed that Russian influence has increased since the beginning of aggression in Ukraine, posing constant threats to the Western Balkans.

We have reliable information for the presence of Russian intelligence in illegal structures in northern Kosovo. Since the beginning of Russian aggression in Ukraine, their impact has increased, especially through co-operation with Serbia”, Minister Macedonia has said.

Serbia-Russia ties are already documented through the Humanitarian Centre in Nis and intelligence activities. We have nothing against Serbian citizens, but leadership in Belgrade plays fear for domestic political purposes. This destabilising rhetoric aims to stop the region's Euro-Atlantic integration”, it has added.

Minister Macedonia has also responded to Serbian authorities' statements on Kosovo military agreement- Albania-Croatia, saying it should not be seen as a threat to Serbia, but as an opportunity for co-operation and stability in the region.

Serbia consistently aims to keep the region tense and uncertain. In fact, states that are united through this agreement are oriented towards peace, security and Euro-Atlantic integration. What happens in Kosovo is the response to efforts to preserve stability and is no threat to anyone”, he has underlined.

Minister Macedonia has confirmed that NATO has been officially informed of this agreement. He has confirmed that this agreement is an important step towards strengthening partnerships in the field of security and defence, which coincides with Kosovo's strategic orientation and support of allies, including the United States.

“NATO has been officially informed and through the Ministry of Kosovo Defence, respectively, as we are in the process of deepening co-operation with NATO and its member states. This is a step towards deepening co-operation and expanding partnerships in the field of security and defence”.

Speaking of investments in the military, he has suggested that Kosovo does not intend to create a force to attack any other country, but a modern army capable of protecting its territorial integrity, in line with NATO standards.

“We are training special forces, strengthening logistics and creating a modern army that is ready to protect Kosovo's territory. We are not creating a force to attack anyone just to protect our country, regardless of the power or capacity of the enemy”, has argued Minister Macedonia.

Otherwise, after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the small Balkan country has called for accelerated NATO membership. But considering there are four allies who do not recognise Kosovo -- Greece, Spain, Romania and Slovakia -- and the decision for new members must be taken unanimously, this requirement has not advanced.

./Periscopi/