The latest fake story generated in a classic case of Russian hybrid warfare, Russian 'experts' planted a 'shocking' story reportedly in Ellinotourkika -Greek-Turkish site, that is impossible to locate. The narrative goes that in retaliation to Western moves in the West Balkans, Russian president Putin is contemplating to eploy Iskander missiles with nuclear heads in South Serbia. A copycat story on the Iskanders deployment emerged on South Ossetia, Kaliningrad and the Far East.
The story was later reprinted in Russian Internet media - that boosted the range, resulting in reprints in pro-Russian media in Bulgaria and elsewhere in the region. The story begins with a true fact - that Russia made a gift of four MIG-29 fighters to Serbia, sparing the collateral costs to the Serbian budget. The fake element is upgraded later with the fictuous - 'experts' from both countries were negotiating how to deploy Iskander missiles with nuclear warheads in southern Serbia!!!
Russia excels in hybrid warfate tactics and when it comes to undermining the Western public confidence in its own safety and to scaring people.
The story features the level of credibility that similar stories flowing in Moscow's channels of influence - such as that recent top models of the Lada car are causing sleepless nights at Mercedec Benz headquarters or laser guided weapons that turn out to be PVC pipes.
The topic has already been spread via pro-Russian media channels in Bulgaria amping up the message - Russia's is targeting the region and PM Borisov's waivering behavior seems wise.
Why is this a totally fake story? To start with - the deployment of nuclear warheads on Serbian territory is impossible without an explicit bilateral treaty in place. This can't happen without the sanction of the Serbian government and the ratification of Parliament. There is simply no legal basis for such a move.
Things of this caliber do not happen at an "expert level". This is not a decision that would be approved by backbenchers, but from the prime minister and the president. For a good reason - as this implies dramatic strategic consequences for the country - Serbia will automatically fall into the category of an outcast, ending EU membership and inviting counter action from NATO. Serbian leaders are intelligent and far from a mental disorder to risk such a move.
Putin apparently puts the feeder at full speed as he senses losses along the whole front of confronation with West, and notably in the West Balkans -- Macedonia seems on course to joining NATO and starting talks with the EU. Monte Negro has already become a member of NATO. Serbia and Republika Srpska seems to be the last hope for a defense line.
With this verbal assault move, the Russian president seeks to reopen the old wounds within the Serbian society, stimulating extreme anti-Western sentiments, especially in the context of recent events in Kosovo.
Not only will there be no nuclear warheads or no missiles in South Serbia, but there will be no Russian fighter jets flying without permission over Bulgaria. Putin desperately seeks attention from world leaders and the media, but aking headlines does not equal making history.
For over 60 years most major cities of the West have been targeted by nuclear warheads of Soviet, later Russian missiles. Such a threat has never prevented welfare and prosperity to run their course, leaving Russia far behind. Seems Mr. Putin has difficulty coming terms with the inevitability of the assured mass destruction and that his nuclear threat rings hollow.
No one intends to attack Putin's Russia and frankly there is no need - it will collapse under the weight of its own absurdity as politics, goals and behavior.