Russian President Vladimir Putin has weighed into the discussion over Macedonia’s name-change, accusing the US and its allies of destabilising the Balkans by asserting dominance in the region.
Putin criticised what he described as deliberate efforts to increase western influence in regions which have a long, close history with Moscow.
Last week, Macedonian MPs endorsed a landmark accord which will rename the Balkan nation the Republic of North Macedonia in a move which opens the way to NATO membership.