Russia issues strong warning: "Croatia, Albania and so-called Kosovo are creating a military quasi-bloc"

“Closed Axis is leading to escalation”

“The creation of a military quasi-bloc consisting of Croatia, Albania and self-proclaimed Kosovo, in light of the trilateral declaration signed in March 2025, is yet another example of NATO’s policy of accelerated militarization of everything and everyone,” Pilipson said.

Pilipson said Moscow shares the concerns of the authorities in Belgrade, who see the defense cooperation between Zagreb, Tirana and Pristina as having a “pronounced anti-Serbian agenda” and potentially posing a threat to Serbia’s security.

“This inevitably leads to escalation in the Balkans because the creation of a closed Zagreb–Tirana–Pristina axis, under circumstances in which the newly formed ‘allies’ do not have harmonious relations with their neighbors, is a destabilizing factor that further strains relations,” he said.

Moscow questions the goals of the cooperation

The Russian diplomat highlighted the development of the defense industry, joint procurement of military equipment, increased interoperability of the armed forces, and the integration of systems for processing and exchanging data.

He also claimed that strengthening the military capabilities of so-called Kosovo is not in line with international agreements, particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

Pilipson also warned of what he described as an attempt to integrate so-called Kosovo into Euro-Atlantic structures. Pristina wants to become a NATO member, but joining the alliance requires the consent of all its members. Kosovo’s independence is not recognized by four NATO members — Spain, Greece, Romania and Slovakia.

The defense ministers of Croatia, Albania and so-called Kosovo signed a joint declaration in Tirana on March 18, 2025. Croatia and Albania are NATO members, while so-called Kosovo is not a member of the alliance.