Serbia's simmering tensions over Kosovo: A potential Balkan flashpoint
On the streets of Serbia, calls for action regarding Kosovo, which declared its independence in 2008, are increasingly common. This region, still considered by many as a Serbian province, separated from the former Yugoslavia in 1999. NATO assisted in this separation, something Belgrade has not forgiven. The Serbian authorities are more frequently discussing the reclamation of former territories.
Visitors travelling to Belgrade from Nikola Tesla Airport are greeted by a massive banner with the slogan "Kosovo is Serbia". Most Serbians utter these words without hesitation as a greeting. The issue of Kosovo divides the country and could become a flashpoint in the Balkans. Russia hopes for this, while Western countries and NATO fear it.
Serbia lost control over Kosovo in 1999 following NATO's military campaign. Kosovo itself declared independence in 2008, although Serbia still refuses to acknowledge this independence to this day. The European Union, which works closely with the Kosovars, has recognised it.
Kosovo has a Serbian minority, mainly located in the northern part of the country, near the Serbian border. However, the majority of the area is inhabited by Albanians.
Independence of Kosovo. Serbia wants to reclaim its former province
Just as Serbians oppose Kosovo's independence, they also have a negative attitude towards NATO. "Kosovo is and will be part of Serbia" virtually everywhere in the country. There are also slogans like "Stop NATO" or "Stop NATO's violence" on the walls of Belgrade.
The military campaign 1999 lasted 11 weeks and was conducted without the authorisation of the UN Security Council. Around 500 civilians were killed. Nevertheless, Kosovo achieved its goal.
Serbia in 2024. Sympathy towards Putin and the risk of war in the Balkans
The country still has many fans of Vladimir Putin. Russia has provided Serbia with loans, and both countries share a significant antipathy towards NATO. Souvenir stalls even sell gifts that are in line with Putin's image. The city features posters with his likeness. Many Serbs regard Russians as friends, as history has taught them to do so.
It is uncertain whether Russia could be an ally for Serbia, but the risk of war in the Balkans is becoming more apparent. The President of the Republic of Serbia, Milorad Dodik, said that it would be completely historically justified for countries where the majority of the population is Serbian to unite into one structure.
The threat is not merely theoretical. The risk of a new war is real - announced Albin Kurti, mentioning Serbia's troubling activities near the border with Kosovo.
In May, the Prime Minister of Kosovo also mentioned a new conflict. The region has been simmering for months. The Russians have the most to gain from this, as a war in the Balkans would divert NATO countries from Ukraine and make it easier for Moscow to defeat its opponent. As long as Kyiv has Western support, the Russians won’t win the war. Serbia thus becomes a convenient tool for them.
