“This will eventually increase mistrust and tension in Europe, rather than improve stability” (Image: GETTY ) Putin made the incendiary comments during an interview with two Serbian newspapers. He also urged Trump not to withdraw from a major nuclear weapons treaty. The Russian President was speaking before a visit to Serbia, a traditional Moscow ally. Related articles Russia 'to replace US dollar with BITCOIN' to get round US sanctions WW3 THREAT: China develops ‘impenetrable’ system too strong for hyp... Putin claimed: “The policy of the US and some other Western countries in the Balkans, who seek to assert their dominance in the region, has been a serious destabilising factor. “This will eventually increase mistrust and tension in Europe, rather than improve stability.” A number of countries in the historically volatile Balkans are attempting to join NATO or the EU, angering Russia. Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina have all applied to join the EU. Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have also asked to join NATO, a western defensive alliance. READ MORE: Russia 'to replace US dollar with BITCOIN' to get round US sanctions Putin is due to visit Serbia on Thursday (Image: GETTY ) Putin argued: “We have repeatedly said that we see NATO expansion as a relic of the Cold War, an ill-informed and destructive military and political strategy.” The Russian President is due to arrive in Serbia on Thursday. Putin’s arrival comes at a tense time for Serbia, with thousands protesting for and against the rule of President Aleksandar Vucic, who some accuse of authoritarian tendencies. Separately, Putin urged US President Donald Trump not to pull out of a major nuclear weapons control treaty. In October Trump announced America was pulling out of the international agreement, which the US President claims Russia has been violating, triggering fears of a new arms race. READ MORE: Russian navy to deploy underwater 'DOOMSDAY' drones Related articles World War 3: Russian navy to deploy underwater 'DOOMSDAY' drones US could issue sanctions to GERMANY over BILLION pound gas pipeline NATO leaders meet in Brussels last July (Image: GETTY ) The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), signed in 1987, banned short and medium range ground launched ballistic missiles including those that can carry nuclear warheads. Trump agreed to delay the planned pullout until mid-February following pressure from European allies. Putin commented: “Despite the US saying it wants to exit the INF we are open to dialogue on how we can keep it in place. “We sent a number of concrete proposals on the matter to the US in December.”All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility