Analysts say heightened friction in the Balkans may serve the Kremlin’s interests but cast doubt over a show of force.

Analysts say heightened friction in the Balkans may serve the Kremlin’s interests but cast doubt over a show of force.
Ethnic fractures in the Western Balkans, including in Kosovo’s Serb-populated area, create trouble for the EU and US.
Chinese President Xi arrives in Saudi Arabia to much fanfare, unlike the low-key welcome afforded to US President Biden.
Israeli president’s visits to Bahrain and UAE can be interpreted as a desire to consolidate diplomatic gains .
Although cooperation with Moscow continued, kingdom also showed support for Kyiv as it sought role of useful mediator.
Neutrality remains popular in Austria, which has sent humanitarian assistance and non-lethal weapons to Ukraine.
The killing of al-Qaeda leader in Kabul will add to mistrust between Taliban and the West prolonging group’s isolation.
Warsaw’s long-pending security expectations within NATO are being satisfied following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Riyadh and Tel Aviv have edged closer to full normalisation, but a deal is unlikely during Biden’s trip to Jeddah.
Almost as soon as the Ukraine war broke out, Finland, which shares a border with Russia, embraced the Western alliance.