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Russian threat in the region, Albania and Montenegro seek help from NATO

2026-11-05 18:13:00Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Russian threat in the region, Albania and Montenegro seek help from NATO

Albania and Montenegro are asking NATO to bring experts to both countries to combat the rise of disinformation coming from Russia, as Moscow has intensified hybrid attacks across Europe.

In two separate interviews, Albanian Defense Minister Ermal Nufi and Montenegrin counterpart Dragan Krapovic said the Alliance needs to increase support as they face social media campaigns aimed at destabilizing the two Balkan countries.

"Russia is consistently conducting information campaigns targeting vulnerable groups in Montenegro and other societies in the Western Balkans," Krapovic said.

The call comes as Podgorica is working towards EU membership by 2028 while Tirana is working towards the end of the decade. Montenegro is due to hold general elections in 2027, while Albania has local elections in May this year. Ministers from both countries are clear that they need help addressing online influence operations.

Nufi said NATO should be more active in finding ways to combat online malign actors, and by having “a response team to help countries in need.” Nufi said Tirana has been facing a widespread social media campaign in the past year that has added fuel to the fire of hatred and anger.

He added that there are “organizations that are indirectly linked to Russia. We have received their online interaction.” “NATO should look more closely at this issue,” Nufi said.

Both Russia and Iran have denied any involvement in the protests. NATO sent a team to Albania in 2022 after an Iranian cyberattack that crippled government services. The two ministers' request underscores anxiety in Europe about Russian sabotage and hybrid warfare that NATO officials say is being used to divide the Alliance and stop partners from sending military aid to Kiev.

Sending a team would usually require the consensus of NATO member countries, but three Alliance diplomats, who asked to remain anonymous to speak freely, said the allies would be open to considering the possibility.

However, they warned that Albania should not resort to any reaction for domestic political reasons. A NATO official, speaking on behalf of the Alliance, stated that NATO “could provide further support, if requested.”

The official added: "Allied countries have intensified preparations to confront, prevent and defend against destabilizing actions, including by improving their cyber defenses."


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