"Russia's Expanding Influence in the Balkans: Escalating Tensions in Kosovo"

Tensions in the Balkans have escalated following a siege at a monastery in Kosovo, with Russia defending Serbia and blaming Kosovo for the violence. Kosovo's president accused Serbia of destabilizing the region, while Russia warned against escalating the situation. Russia sees Serbia as an important European ally and aims to disrupt further political and military consolidation in Europe. Russia has also backed the leader of the Bosnian Serbs, who is advocating for the sub-state entity Republika Srpska to separate from Bosnia and Herzegovina and unite with Serbia. The alignment between Russia and Serbia has raised concerns in the West, leading to recent sanctions imposed by the US.