Keir Starmer has cut UK aid by 40% for efforts against Russian aggression and misinformation in the western Balkans. Funding dropped from £40m last year to £24m for 2025-26. This region includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Starmer calls it "Europe’s crucible – the place where the security of our continent is put to the test." The Integrated Security Fund (ISF) allocated this money to fight cyber-attacks and support democracy and independent media. The cut comes from Starmer’s decision to reduce Official Development Assistance (ODA) for low- and middle-income countries. ODA for the Balkans fell from nearly £32m in 2024-25 to £17m in 2025-26. Non-ODA funding also dropped by £1.15m. Emily Thornberry, foreign affairs select committee chair, said, "I visited the western Balkans earlier this month. It is quite clear they are on the frontline of the fight against Russian disinformation and interference, and I am very proud of the work the UK is doing to support them in that fight - for their security and all of Europe’s." She added, "More work is needed to support independent media, not less." Dr Kate Ferguson of the NGO Protection Approaches said the UK has been a "trusted and principled leader" in the Balkans and must keep its leadership as Russian threats grow. MI6 chief Blaise Metreweli said Britain faces "a space between peace and war" and described Russia as "aggressive, expansionist and revisionist." Meanwhile, Shelagh Daley of NGO Saferworld warned that cutting aid shows a "deprioritisation of work on conflict prevention and peacebuilding," at a time when global conflicts rise. A government spokesperson said the report covers only part of the UK's total investment in the Balkans. They added, "The ISF is designed to adapt to the very latest national security priorities and often funds short-term projects, meaning it is natural for spending decisions to evolve over time."