The Changing Relations Between Russia and Western Balkans

Abstract

We have examined Russian intervention and how it has affected Western Balkans over three decades. We use secondary literature that describes the different areas of Russian influence in each country of the region. To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and security dilemmas in the Western Balkans and how they are perceived by young people in particular, we aim first to measure the perception that exists regarding the Russia-Serbia relationship and the risks it produces in terms of destabilizing the Western Balkans. Second, we aim to measure how high the level of trust is in strategic partnerships with the EU, the US and NATO and how these relationships affect the stabilization of the region and its Euro-Atlantic future. This study provides an additional perspective on the processes in the Western Balkans through qualitative data and analysis. The quantitative analysis is based on a questionnaire designed by the authors that measures the perception of educated young people, specifically Albanian students, regarding Russian influence. The findings show that Russia is seen as an actor seeking to reposition itself geopolitically in the Western Balkans region. Its strategy, which includes not only the invasion of Ukraine, but also much more control over the Western Balkans region, is viewed with concern by young people. They assess that the Western Balkans still experiences tension and destabilization of integration processes in different parts of it. As a result, the security and stability of the region are seen as linked to the consolidation of a clear Euro-Atlantic perspective and the strengthening of the partnership with the SJBA. The recommendations can help to more clearly address the policy towards stability in the region, by regenerating hope and trust.

Received: 17 January 2026 / Revised: 24 February 2026 / Accepted: 7 March 2026 / Published: 25  March 2026