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A Tug Between Russia and Europe Divides a Tiny Balkan Nation
A falling-out between former political allies in Montenegro has complicated the country’s efforts to join the European Union and curb pro-Russian influence.
Elected last year on promises to accelerate a shift out of Russia’s orbit of influence and into the European Union, the government of Montenegro recently nominated a curious candidate as its ambassador in Moscow — a Russian citizen.
That ignited a spat between the government and the separately elected president, who was appalled at the idea of a Russian, a dual citizen of Montenegro who has been vocal in his support for the Kremlin, representing the country in Moscow.
“I invited him for an interview and quickly realized what was going on,” recalled Montenegro’s president, Jakov Milatovic, whose limited powers include the approval of ambassadorial appointments.
Deciding that the nominee for the Moscow job was out of step with Montenegro’s commitments as a member of NATO, which include supporting Ukraine’s military, he asked the government to find someone more suitable.
The tiff underlined a growing rift between Mr. Milatovic and the government of Prime Minister Milojko Spajic that has cast a shadow over Montenegro’s efforts to join the European Union and curb the influence of pro-Russian political forces.
Tugged for decades between East and West, the former Yugoslav republic — coveted by both NATO and Moscow for its deep bays on the Mediterranean — had seemed set on a clear path away from Russia after it joined the Atlantic alliance in 2017.
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