Shaheen warns of Russian hybrid war: NATO should closely watch the Balkans

US Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen said that the United States and its allies must maintain pressure on Russia. She also warned that Moscow is increasing hybrid warfare, which raises concerns about stability in the Balkans.

In an interview with Radio Free Europe on September 17, Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, spoke about the new US sanctions bill against Russia, Ukraine’s needs, and Moscow’s activities along NATO’s eastern flank.

According to the senator, the bill passed by Congress with broad bipartisan support targets Russia’s financial sector, oligarchs, and oil and gas revenues used to finance the war. The measures also include tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas and striking the shadow fleet. Implementation will depend on the US administration, while Shaheen hopes the Treasury Department will put it into effect immediately after President Donald Trump signs the bill.

Regarding the possibility of a limited ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, she said that the way the agreement is drafted and Moscow’s level of seriousness in negotiations will be important. Shaheen said that so far Russia has not shown readiness for such a process. “Putin is trying to wear us down,” she stated, adding that the Russian president is dragging out dialogue with the Trump administration and its envoys, hoping that opponents will tire and give up.

Shaheen also expressed concern about the relations of Serbia and Serbs in Republika Srpska with Russia. She said Moscow could consider the Balkans as a potential second front, so maintaining stability in this region is essential.

Referring to NATO’s presence in Kosovo and the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the senator stressed that the high readiness of these missions must be ensured and the situation closely monitored. Regarding the decision of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, Shaheen said she had not reviewed the case and therefore could not comment.