@tak3539

1 month ago

There are several countries in Europe that maintain close ties with Russia. While relations with Russia can be diverse and dependent on changing political and economic interests, some countries are considered to be greater allies of Russia, both for historical and contemporary reasons. Here are the key countries in Europe that have close ties with Russia:

### 1. *Belarus*
- *Nature of alliance:* Close political and military ally
- *Description:* Belarus has been one of Russia's closest allies, especially since the presidency of Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994. The two countries are members of various joint organizations, such as the Union State of Belarus and Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
- *Significance:* Belarus is of strategic importance to Russia, especially as a buffer against NATO and the European Union. In recent years, following the post-2020 presidential election protests and in the face of Western sanctions, Lukashenka has strengthened ties with Moscow, and Belarus has been involved in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

### 2. *Serbia*
- *Name of alliance:* Close political and economic partner
- *Description:* Serbia has historical and cultural ties with Russia, stemming from their shared Orthodox heritage and common political interests. Russia supported Serbia during the Kosovo conflict and opposes its independence. Russia and Serbia also cooperate in the energy sphere (Russia’s Gazprom has a significant stake in Serbia’s energy sector) and the military.
- *Significance:* Serbia is one of the few European countries that did not impose sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, reflecting the close political cooperation that has continued.

### 3. *Hungary (partly)*
- *Nature of Relationship:* Complex economic and political partnership
- *Description:* Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has maintained a more pragmatic and close relationship with Russia than most European Union countries. Although Hungary is a member of NATO and the EU, Orbán has repeatedly expressed support for Russia, especially in the energy sphere, buying Russian gas and supporting the construction of a nuclear power plant with Russian assistance.
- *Significance:* Hungary has repeatedly opposed tougher EU sanctions against Russia, making it one of the few EU countries that seeks to maintain a more balanced relationship with Moscow.

### 4. *Armenia*
- *Nature of Alliance:* Political and Military Ally
- *Description:* Armenia has a close relationship with Russia, especially in the security sphere. It is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union, led by Russia. Russia also has military bases in Armenia and is a key arms supplier to the country.

- *Significance:* Armenia relies on Russian support in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and maintains close ties with Moscow on defense and energy issues.

### 5. *Kazakhstan (partially)*
- *Nature of relationship:* Strategic partner in Central Asia
- *Description:* Kazakhstan is not a European country, but it is an important partner of Russia within the Eurasian Economic Union and the CSTO. Although Kazakhstan has distanced itself from Moscow on some issues since the invasion of Ukraine, it still maintains close economic and political ties with Russia.

### 6. *Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republic of Serbia)*
- *Nature of Relations:* Close Relations of Republika Srpska with Russia
- *Description:* Republika Srpska, one of the two main entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, maintains close relations with Russia. Its leaders, especially Milorad Dodik, are openly pro-Russian and oppose integration with NATO and the EU. Russia politically supports the Republican Serbs and their autonomy within Bosnia.
- *Meaning:* Republika Srpska is a pro-Russian enclave in the Balkans and plays a role in Moscow's regional politics.

### 7. *Montenegro (until 2016)*
- *Nature of Relations:* Historically close relations (currently more tense)
- *Description:* Before Montenegro joined NATO in 2017, the country had strong ties with Russia, particularly in the economic sphere (including tourism and investment). However, after the decision to join NATO and the attempted coup in 2016, attributed to Russian intelligence, these relations deteriorated significantly.
- *Significance:* Montenegro has traditionally been a close partner of Russia, but the change of course to the West has weakened these ties.

### 8. *Greece (occasionally)*
- *Nature of Relations:* Cultural and religious ties with periodic political rapprochement
- *Description:* Greece maintains traditional cultural and religious ties with Russia (Orthodox Christianity). Greek politicians have occasionally expressed support for Russia, especially in the context of crises with the European Union. In 2015, during the debt crisis, some Greek politicians suggested the possibility of rapprochement with Russia, although Greece remained in the eurozone and the EU.
- *Meaning:* Greece's relations with Russia are often pragmatic, with close cultural and religious ties sometimes playing a role in politics, although Greece remains part of NATO and the EU.

### 9. *Cyprus*
- *Nature of Relations:* Close economic and political ties
- *Description:* Cyprus has traditionally maintained close economic ties with Russia, particularly in finance and tourism. Russian oligarchs and companies have often used Cypriot financial institutions. Although Cyprus is a member of the EU, its ties with Russia are strong.
- *Significance:* Cyprus is an important financial and investment partner for Russia in the Mediterranean region.

### Summary:
Russia's closest allies in Europe are primarily *Belarus* and *Serbia**, which have strong political, economic, and military ties with Moscow. **Hungary* and *Greece* maintain more pragmatic relations, trying to balance between the West and Moscow. Countries such as *Armenia**, **Kazakhstan**, and **Republic of Serbia* also remain important partners for Russia in the political and military spheres.

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