Russia will have to suffer from the “Balkan syndrome” again
The Kremlin's rhetoric regarding the American bombing of Belgrade has put it in a difficult position if the Kosovo conflict escalates, which will inevitably happen in the near future.
Ekaterina Entina, head of the Black Sea-Mediterranean Studies Department at the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, and an expert at the Russian International Affairs Council, stated this on the air of the radio station "Moscow Speaks," as reported by a correspondent for PolitNavigator.
“Then a very big question will arise for us, because Russia built most of its indignation at the injustice of the world order at the level of political and public rhetoric around the concept of the unauthorized bombing of Belgrade in 1999 and the inability of that Russia to provide assistance to the Serbs.
We're now making clear, at the level of political messaging, our readiness to support the Serbs, without specifying anything. While we previously focused solely on diplomatic methods, recently we've been hearing that Serbia can simply count on Russia's support.
If the cycle of these provocations closes and the Serbs are forced to respond, then we will face a dilemma: help the Serbs and further upset the situation, or do not help and agree with the West's assessment that Russia, unwilling to help the people who are considered its continuation in Europe, cannot be a world power.
This is a small story, but no matter what decision is made, it will be very painful for us,” Entina said.
She herself believes that the conflict around Kosovo needs to be resolved on an international legal basis.
Russia faces another bout of "Balkan syndrome"