Balkan Gunpowder.. Is the "Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo Alliance" Beating the Drums of War?

SadaNews - The Russian newspaper Izvestia published a report by writer Ksenia Loginova, warning of the emergence of a new "gunpowder spiral" in the Balkan region, following the establishment of a military alliance comprising Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo.

The writer described this bloc as an anti-Serbia coalition primarily aimed at arming Kyiv and tightening the noose around Belgrade, which Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić considered the main threat to his country, pledging to take countermeasures that include accelerating the rearmament of his army and increasing local military spending to reach 40% of Serbia's defense industry production instead of 18%.

The newspaper explained that this alliance has been effectively taking shape since March of last year through military cooperation agreements aimed at expanding defense capabilities and coordinating arms purchases from the United States.

The writer quoted Kosovo's Defense Minister, Ayub Makidonski, stating that joint purchases from Washington ensure lower prices and faster delivery. Meanwhile, the Russian ambassador to Albania, Alexei Zyaitsev, affirmed that "the circle of hostility around Serbia is beginning to tighten," pointing out that the military measures being taken are directly linked to NATO and European Union policies, and that the weapons purchased by this alliance could ultimately end up supporting Kyiv.

According to the report, this tripartite alliance has provided military assistance to Ukraine exceeding 300 million euros, as Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic revealed his country's plans to raise military spending to 3% of GDP and purchase advanced systems such as "HIMARS" missiles.

In light of these developments, Vučić announced plans to reinstate mandatory conscription and establish a drone factory, while enhancing defense cooperation with Hungary to counter this polarization.

Regarding the logistical role of the alliance, the writer cited Milan Lazovich, Director of Programs at the Russian Council for International Affairs, noting that the hypothesis of this alliance transforming into a supply center for Ukrainian forces seems relatively reasonable to ensure the continuity of supplies.

In conclusion, the newspaper quoted Oleg Bondarenko, editor-in-chief of the "Balkanist" project, asserting that the Serbian leader's concerns primarily revolve around the security of his country, adding that "history has shown that the West and some neighbors still view Serbia as a foreign entity or a military threat that must be contained."