Kosova’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, stated that the Balkans currently enjoy the highest levels of peace, freedom, and democracy in the past 25 years. However, this could change if Russia triumphs in Ukraine and encourages Serbian expansionism.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Kurti emphasized the importance of a united Western support for Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russia’s invasion that began in 2022.

Kurti argued that a strong Russia would embolden Serbia, putting not only Kosova but also Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and possibly North Macedonia at risk from what he described as Serbian expansionist ambitions.

Tensions between Kosova and Serbia remain high, as dialogue to normalize relations, mediated by the European Union, has failed to make progress, especially since the armed attack on the Kosova Police in September 2023 in Banjska, Zveçan.

An armed group of Serbs attacked the police, resulting in the death of a Kosova police officer, with three Serbian attackers killed in the ensuing gunfire.

“For the past 25 years of this century, this quarter-century has seen the highest levels of peace, freedom, and democracy in the Balkans,” Kurti said.

When asked what a Russian victory in Ukraine would mean for Kosova and the Balkans, Kurti responded, “With Serbia, which is a regional hegemony and a collaborator of Russia, these 25 years of peace, freedom, and democracy in the Balkans, unprecedented in our history, are once again at risk”.

“Despot President [Vladimir] Putin would be encouraged to continue his destabilization efforts, especially if he feels successful in Ukraine. I truly don’t want to believe that, theoretically, he could win. But the mere idea that he thinks he could win the war is sufficiently problematic”.

In the past, Kurti and other state leaders have warned that Russia may use Serbia to heighten tensions in Kosova and the broader region. Serbia and Russia maintain strong relations, and Belgrade is one of the few countries in Europe that has not joined the European Union sanctions imposed on Moscow due to its aggression against Ukraine.

Recently, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that Serbia is neither a “servant of Russia nor of the United States”.

/a.p./