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Austin: Russia uses ethnic conflicts in the Balkans to undermine stability

Lojd Ostin

As a malignant actor, Russia is increasingly using ethnic tensions in the Balkans to undermine regional stability and hamper the Euro-Atlantic integration of countries in the region, said the newly appointed Pentagon chief, Mr Lloyd Austin, at a hearing before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee ahead of the appointment.

Last Friday, the US Senate confirmed the appointment of a retired General Lloyd Austin as the new Secretary of Defense. His candidacy was confirmed with 93 votes in favor and 2 against.

In a document that Pobjeda had the insight into, Mr Austin states that the NATO’s Kosovo force KFOR played a key role in maintaining stability in the Balkans.

“Malignant actors such as Russia and China are increasingly trying to use ethnic conflicts, corruption and the weak rule of law in the Western Balkans through disinformation, cyber-attacks and economic manipulation. These tactics are a strategy designed to undermine regional stability, hamper Euro-Atlantic integration and provide critical infrastructure,” he told the Committee members.

Asked whether the United State should keep advocating for the engagement in KFOR, Mr Austin said that he recognized the important role that KFOR had in establishing stability in the WB.

“A U.S. contribution to KFOR is small compared to their impact.”

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