U.S. Warns of Russian Interference in Macedonia’s NATO Bid

Defense Secretary Mattis says Moscow is trying to sway voters in the Balkan country to reject a name change in a coming referendum

Gordon Lubold in Washington and

Nektaria Stamouli in Athens

Sept. 17, 2018 1:10 p.m. ET

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned that Russia is actively working against a referendum in Macedonia that would clear the way for the Balkan nation to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Mr. Mattis, who flew to Macedonia on Monday to meet the country’s leaders in advance of the Sept. 30 vote, told reporters traveling with him that there was “no doubt” Russia has funded pro-Russian groups to work against the referendum and to hinder the small country’s attempts to join with the West.

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