Mattis warns of Russian meddling in Macedonia’s bid for NATO: report

Defense Secretary James Mattis on Monday accused Russia of attempting to circumvent Macedonia’s bid to join NATO.

The Pentagon chief blamed Moscow for trying to influence the outcome of a Sept. 30 vote in Macedonia to change the country’s name as part of a deal reached in June with Greece, Reuters reported.

{mosads}The vote, if successful, would change the country’s name to the Republic of Northern Macedonia. In exchange, Greece would lift its opposition to the nation joining NATO and the European Union.

“We do not want to see Russia doing there [in Macedonia] what they have tried to do in so many other countries,” Mattis told reporters after speaking with Macedonia’s leaders in its capital of Skopje, according to the news service. Mattis was likely referring to U.S. concerns about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and other votes.

“No doubt that they have transferred money and they are also conducting broader influence campaigns,” Mattis said.

Mattis also said Washington was looking to increase cybersecurity cooperation with Macedonia.

“The close cooperation between our countries is also growing to reflect modern challenges, as we plan to expand our cybersecurity cooperation to thwart malicious cyber activity that threatens both our democracies,” Mattis said in a speech after meeting with Macedonia’s prime minister and defense minister.

Macedonia, formerly part of Soviet ally Yugoslavia, was formally invited by NATO in July to start accession talks, which Russia has opposed.

Russia rejects accusations of meddling, but its ambassador in Macedonia has said the country could become “a legitimate target” if relations between NATO and Moscow continue to fall apart.

The United States is worried that Russia is attempting to suppress voter turnout by releasing propaganda suggesting that Washington is not supportive of the Balkan region.

The United States has provided about $750 million in total assistance to Macedonia since 1991, according to Reuters.