Between Red and White or Red, Blue and White? Assessing Delije’s Role as a Russian Proxy on Telegram
This study examines whether Delije, the ultras group supporting Red Star Belgrade, function as a Russian proxy on Telegram within the context of hybrid warfare. While known for their political ties in Serbia, their online role remains underexplored. Although some scholars have identified offline proxy traits among Serbian ultras, this study investigates whether Delije exhibit similar dynamics online. Using qualitative content analysis of Delije’s Telegram channel (September 2022 - January 2025) and a coding framework based on prior research on Russian proxy groups, the analysis finds recurring anti-Western sentiment, pro-Russian messaging, and hostility toward civil society. However, the analysis also identifies notable gaps: limited evidence of recruitment, fundraising, or coordinated cross-channel activity. In response, the study introduces the concept of a ‘semi-proxy group’ to more accurately capture the ambiguous positioning of Delije. Rather than functioning as a full-fledged Telegram-based proxy, Delije retain their primary identity as a fan group, while occasionally contributing to Russia’s influence efforts in Serbia. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how influential non-state actors in the Balkans can function as instruments of foreign influence, particularly in the evolving digital landscape of hybrid warfare.
Bart Brettschneider
Bart Brettschneider is a PhD student at Masaryk University specializing in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. His research interests include nationalism, radicalism, extremism, and the influence of foreign powers in the region.
Věra Stojarová
Věra Stojarová works as an academic researcher and associate professor at the Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Studies at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. She has been focusing on security and politics in the Western Balkans. Věra Stojarová has published many papers on security and politics in the Western Balkan region and has also cooperated with NGOs, lecturing about the security problems faced by societies in transition. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0496-5171
Bart Brettschneider
Bart Brettschneider is a PhD student at Masaryk University specializing in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. His research interests include nationalism, radicalism, extremism, and the influence of foreign powers in the region.