Countering Hybrid Threats in the Western Balkans: Lessons from Ukraine

Kosovar Centre for Security Studies, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Montenegro and the Center for Security Studies- Ukraine “CENSS”, organized the conference “Countering Hybrid Threats in the Western Balkans: Lessons from Ukraine” in Podgorica. During the conference, two reports were presented, focusing on Russia’s hybrid threats in the Western Balkans and key lessons learned from Ukraine. The reports were supported by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)- Kosova and the Open Society Foundations - Western Balkans. The discussion highlighted how Russia continues to employ disinformation, cyber operations, and other forms of malign influence to exploit political and societal vulnerabilities, weaken democratic institutions, and obstruct Euro-Atlantic integration across the region. Drawing on Ukraine’s frontline experience, the panel explored practical policy responses, with a particular focus on countering disinformation, strengthening cyber resilience, and enhancing regional capacities to safeguard democratic processes and information integrity. The panel featured contributions from Adelina Hasani, Danilo Kalezić, Viktoriia Voronina, and Draško Jabucanin, who shared insights on emerging threats and underscored the importance of coordinated regional responses.