Russia’s influence in the Balkans is real and easily observed. Both before and since the Ukrainian crisis, it has affected the region in a multitude of ways. Moscow’s rising military might has far reaching consequences for the security posture of NATO and its members bordering the Black Sea. The Russian oil and gas companies, Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, and Lukoil, still play an enormous role in the local energy markets, despite the headwinds they face and the beefed-up E.U. legislation aimed at encouraging competition and diversifying supplies. The cult of Vladimir Putin and the celebration of Russia’s resurgence on the world …read more
Source: The American Interest
