EN
In the early 20th century, Russia attempted to establish a 'Balkan Coalition' of friendly and subordinated states against Austria-Hungary and Turkey. Objective of the 'Balkan Coalition' was unification of Serbia and Montenegro. Austria-Hungary, Germany and Italy opposed the Russian scheme. Austria-Hungary eventually agreed with unification of Serbia and Montenegro in exchange for its own interest in the Balkans, but Italy strongly disapproved. The project of Serbia's and Montenegro's unification became acute during conflicts between the Great Powers (Entente and Triple-Alliance) and disturbed the cohesion of the Triple-Alliance. Simultaneously, this project opened a chance for Russia to directly put its foot in solving problems in the Balkans. Before long, Russia militarily supported Serbia against an Austrian-Hungarian attack. Subsequently, the Great Powers of the Entente and Triple-Alliance signed mutual ally treaties and started the 'Great War'.