An analysis by the Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies, Octopus, based in Pristina, reveals that Russia is capitalizing on far-right extremist organizations in Serbia to bolster its influence in the Balkan region.
According to Taulant Elshani, a senior researcher at the institute, Serbia provides financial, infrastructural, and media support to these groups to propagate Kremlin-backed propaganda.
“The deep political, historical, and cultural ties between Serbia and Russia, along with their current geopolitical and geostrategic interests, serve as the foundation around which these right-wing extremist organizations revolve. This base acts as a shield, enabling these actors to finance and sustain their activities, aimed at undermining and eroding the credibility of democratic states,” he stated.
The research highlights that the primary activities of these groups include the dissemination of falsehoods, sowing confusion on social media platforms, presenting false narratives about areas with significant historical and religious importance, discrediting political leaders, inciting hatred, and even promoting violence.
“Additionally, it is crucial to note that European far-right actors operating in the Balkans, particularly in Serbia, often masquerade as humanitarian activists or organizations facilitating interethnic communication while clandestinely engaging in other agendas,” Elshani added.
Čedomir Stojković, a Serbian lawyer and politician, revealed that the official Belgrade utilizes these groups to fuel animosity and discord between various ethnic groups in the Balkans, hindering their integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
“This has been a recurring strategy between Belgrade and Moscow for nearly two decades. By fostering animosity towards other nations – easily achieved in the Balkans – we witness a halt in reconciliation. When reconciliation is impeded, the integration of the region into the European Union and NATO is hindered as well. Reconciliation is a fundamental element for the region’s integration, an outcome Russia seeks to prevent, just as it does with Ukraine,” he emphasized, referring to the complex relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
“In the current climate, it is crucial to understand that the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo are not rooted in the sentiments of ordinary people. Citizens in Belgrade and other Serbian cities do not harbor these tensions when it comes to relations with Kosovo. Instead, these tensions arise from extreme right-wing groups and are later exploited by the Serbian government,” he highlighted.
The Octopus Institute’s study underscores that despite far-right extremist representatives maintaining a low public profile, the risks they pose are considerable, as they can significantly undermine the national interests of Balkan states. To mitigate these risks, the study recommends that Western Balkan nations strengthen their democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard media independence.
