Key facts
- Russia accused NATO of squeezing Serbia like a boa constrictor.
- Russia cited a joint military exercise in Serbia as evidence of NATO's intentions.
- Russia believes NATO aims to take over the Balkans and isolate Serbia.
- Serbia states the 'Platinum Wolf' exercise aims to exchange best practices and enhance competence.
Russia has accused NATO of attempting to subjugate Serbia, likening the alliance's actions to a 'boa constrictor'. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed to the annual 'Platinum Wolf' joint military exercise, which began on June 1 with support from the U.S. European command, as evidence of NATO's alleged efforts to control the Balkan region and detach Serbia from Russian influence. Zakharova stated that NATO's ultimate goal is to take over the Balkans and isolate Serbia. Serbia, which maintains traditionally strong relations with Russia and was subjected to a NATO bombing campaign in 1999, states the exercise is aimed at exchanging best practices and enhancing the competence and mutual understanding of participating countries, which include eight NATO members.