Tension grows between Serbia and Kosovo. Blockades and shootings fuel fears of a new conflict in Europe. Both countries were part of Yugoslavia and Serbia has strong ties to Russia. That is why Putin’s role is also being considered here.
Thousands more Serbian troops have now been sent to the border, says correspondent Stefan Bos. The ties between Serbia and Russia only make the situation more difficult, Russia is also said to have transferred military equipment to Serbia.
A new outbreak of fire in the Balkans would suit Putin, thinks Bos. He knows that NATO is busy with the conflict in Ukraine and NATO could get into trouble with a new conflict in the Balkans. The question is whether NATO will have sufficient resources when Serbia invades Kosovo.’
The Kremlin has denied claims that Russia had any involvement in the Serbia-Kosovo feud. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said it was “completely wrong” to look for any Russian influence here, Reuters reported.
Plate conflict
This conflict started a few months ago with a discussion about license plates. Kosovo wanted to insist that Serb residents also drive with a Kosovar license plate, but they objected. “Serbs in Kosovo see Belgrade as their capital and Serbia as their country. Nor have they ever recognized Kosovo as an independent country. And memories of the 1990s war also resurfaced, says Bos.
The possibility that things really get out of hand can’t be ruled out, thinks Bos. Furor is stirred up on both sides as diplomats try to smooth things over. “But we have to keep an eye on this.”
Border closed
Kosovo today closed its largest border crossing with Serbia, leaving only three entry points between the two countries open. Due to the blockades, thousands of Kosovars are unable to go home for the holidays.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
