The article provides a detailed analysis of Russia and Serbia's hybrid warfare efforts in North Macedonia that seek to influence elections and political developments, thereby obstructing the country's Euro-Atlantic integration. It tracks the geopolitical significance of North Macedonia as a strategic land bridge in the Balkans and recounts historical influence patterns including Serbia's military ambitions in the 1990s. Extensive evidence from intelligence leaks and investigations illustrates Russian espionage, propaganda financing, recruitment of military personnel, and cultural influence activities aimed at fostering pro-Russian and pro-Serbian sentiments. Documented incidents of political violence in 2017 show active Serbian agent involvement in destabilizing democratic processes. The article details Russia's opposition to the Prespa Agreement and EU accession, particularly in collaboration with Bulgaria, and notes ongoing diplomatic expulsions of Russian officials following the Ukraine war. The upcoming simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in April-May 2024 are positioned as critical junctures for Russia and Serbia to apply hybrid influence, amid continuing polarization and political tensions within North Macedonia. The research integrates international relations theories to conceptualize these hybrid tactics and underscores the complex interplay between domestic ethnic dynamics and external geopolitical interference from Moscow and Belgrade.

The article provides a detailed analysis of Russia and Serbia's hybrid warfare efforts in North Macedonia that seek to influence elections and political developments, thereby obstructing the country's Euro-Atlantic integration. It tracks the geopolitical significance of North Macedonia as a strategic land bridge in the Balkans and recounts historical influence patterns including Serbia's military ambitions in the 1990s. Extensive evidence from intelligence leaks and investigations illustrates Russian espionage, propaganda financing, recruitment of military personnel, and cultural influence activities aimed at fostering pro-Russian and pro-Serbian sentiments. Documented incidents of political violence in 2017 show active Serbian agent involvement in destabilizing democratic processes. The article details Russia's opposition to the Prespa Agreement and EU accession, particularly in collaboration with Bulgaria, and notes ongoing diplomatic expulsions of Russian officials following the Ukraine war. The upcoming simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in April-May 2024 are positioned as critical junctures for Russia and Serbia to apply hybrid influence, amid continuing polarization and political tensions within North Macedonia. The research integrates international relations theories to conceptualize these hybrid tactics and underscores the complex interplay between domestic ethnic dynamics and external geopolitical interference from Moscow and Belgrade.