"NATO Chief Expresses Concern Over Secessionist Rhetoric and Russian Influence in Balkans"
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern over secessionist rhetoric in Bosnia, particularly from Serb leaders who have been increasingly advocating for splitting away and joining Serbia. Stoltenberg also highlighted the issue of Russian influence in the country. Bosnia, which emerged from a devastating war in the 1990s, remains divided and faces economic stagnation and mass emigration. NATO has warned about the risks of foreign interference, particularly from Russia, and has committed to supporting Bosnia's Euro-Atlantic path. However, the pro-Russian Bosnian Serbs have withdrawn their support for joining NATO, effectively halting Bosnia's Atlantic integration ambitions.