Russian Federation and the “Fierce” Political Winter in Serbia, 1996–1997

Abstract

The article’s purpose, within the broader international perspective, is to enhance understanding of Russia’s role during the crisis surrounding the recognition of local election results in Serbia. Chronologically, it encompasses the period from December 1996 to February 1997. The objective is to ascertain Russia’s position during the events, its viewpoints, initiatives, and actions, as well as its contribution to the eventual resolution of the dispute. This is particularly significant in the context of Moscow’s negative stance towards Serbian interests during the first half of the 1990s. As a primary focus, the approach and activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and its officials are examined regarding this issue. In addition, reports from Russian institutions on the ground, specifically the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Belgrade, are taken into account. The stance of the Serbian side towards Russia’s role is also traced, including that of the authorities in Belgrade and the opposition, to the extent permitted by available sources. The work is mainly based on Russian archival materials. Among published sources, the study utilizes diaries and memoirs of event participants, statements by officials and institutions. The periodicals available online significantly aided in elucidating certain ambiguities regarding the events. Relevant literature on the topic, albeit very modest in quantity, has also been consulted.

Funding

The implementation of this research was financially supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia as part of the funding for scientific research work at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade (contract number 451-03-33/2026-03/200163).

Received 4 November 2025

Revised 2 February 2026

Accepted 27 March 2026

For citation: Radivojević, M., 2026. The Russian Federation and the “Fierce” Political Winter in Serbia, 1996–1997 Slavic World in the Third Millennium, 21 (1–2), pp. 88–102. https://doi.org/10.31168/2412-6446.2026.21.1-2.05