Russia's "information campaigns in the Balkans" are part of its "strategy is to create a perception of Russia as a great power and powerful ally."

There, is, however "little substance behind it in investments or donations to the nations involved," writes the Washington Post.

BROD, Kosovo — The Catholic priest followed the village elders up a narrow road that curved between the green hills in the tiny hamlet of Gjonaj in southern Kosovo.

As the priest, Don Albert Jakaj, 36, emerged from the wooded path, he saw the light gray stone church, believed by locals to be a thousand years old, surrounded by tall pine trees.