This is CBS I in the World.

I'm John Bachelors.

Montenegro, a member of NATO, Montenegro, a candidate for the European Union.

Montenegro, a small state, formerly part of the larger state of Yugoslavia, Serbia,

but right now, independent facing a presidential election in the middle of March.

To help me understand the risk to Montenegro that is implicit in remarks by Vladimir Putin

in his speech to his nation and the world, how he is fighting not a war in Ukraine, but

a war against NATO.

And not only that, but also of Vladimir Putin says that NATO attacked Russia.

I welcome Ivana Strada, Ivana said, research fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of

Democracy as well as a special correspondent for Kiev Post.

Ivana, very good evening to you.

It's a small nation, but it's critical, as if I understand it, in this mix of the Western

Balkan states.

Are they with us or against us as NATO?

Montenegro is a member of NATO, but it's facing a presidential election where apparently

needs to make a choice again.

There is a major candidate, Andrei Manditch, who represents a pro-Russian party.

What is his case to the Montenegro people?

Good evening to you.

Good evening.

Thank you very much for inviting me.

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