ABSTRACT
The evolution of Russian foreign policy took place in a space defined by two coordinates: co-operation with Western partners and protection of its own security interests. While peacekeeping in the "near abroad" is an essential element of this evolution in a general direction which could be described as less cooperative and more self-assertive, the Balkans produce a minor vector of influence in which a desire to play an independent role is moderated by a necessity to preserve co-operation. The Balkans actually are one of the few places where it is possible to give some substance to the declarations, and for this reason Russia has been attempting to design an independent course and in the process increase its room for manoeuvre. The Russian military leadership in particular sees the Bosnian example, where permission must be obtained for every air strike from various military and political authorities, as absolutely unacceptable.
