In an interview for the Greek TV station ERT, the Russian Ambassador to Greece Andrey Maslov claims that the integration of Macedonia in NATO will not contribute to the stability and security of the Balkan region. “Pushing North Macedonia to join NATO will not contribute to security and stabilisation of the situation in the Balkans. Our country has recognised your neighbouring country under the new name, but unfortunately the resolution of the old name issue has paved the way on pushing North Macedonia to join NATO and this will certainly not contribute to the security and stabilization of the situation in the Balkans. In recent years, we have been witnessing efforts by certain countries to create a new status quo which will not be based on international law, but on rules of their own making, which they in turn present as the view of the international community. In regard to Russian policy in the Balkans, we reject the claim presented in the media that Russia allegedly wants to expand its influence in the Balkans,” Maslov said for ERT.