Is Russia attempting to destabilize Kosovo via Serbia?

High-ranking officials in Kosovo are sounding the alarm about a potential attack or provocation from Serbia. The warning includes concerns about Russia’s involvement in destabilizing the region. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly Glauk Konjufca have both expressed fears of an imminent threat from Belgrade. However, Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic dismisses these claims as “media drama.”

The threat of escalation in northern Kosovo is seen as significant and real by experts like Ivana Stradner from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. She believes Russia, aiming to divert attention from the situation in Ukraine, is eyeing vulnerable points in Europe, particularly the Balkans. The United States has also identified northern Kosovo and secession threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina as major security risks.

Adrian Shtuni, a foreign policy expert, warns of potential violent incidents in Kosovo due to destabilization efforts from certain circles in Serbia. While a large-scale conflict in the Western Balkans may not be imminent, the region could face activities classified as “hybrid warfare.”