US intelligence released its "2026 Threat Assessment" on March 18, warning that the Western Balkans remains susceptible to tensions, external influences, and destabilization.

The report cites Moscow as fueling instability between Serbia and Kosovo and supporting separatism in Republika Srpska. It also warns of political influence operations, disinformation campaigns, and cyber risks across the region.

The document emphasizes that Russia continues to use the Balkans as an arena for expanding its influence, posing a challenge to the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of countries in the region.