MOSCOW: Russia has called on the West to cease its “deceitful propaganda” after more than 30 peacekeepers from a NATO-led mission in Kosovo were injured in clashes with ethnic Serbs. The conflict arises from the long-standing dispute over Kosovo’s independence, which Serbia and Russia have refused to recognize since its declaration in 2008.
As a traditional ally of Serbia, Russia has also effectively prevented Kosovo from obtaining a seat at the United Nations. In response to the recent clashes, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement blaming the West for spreading misleading information and admonishing them to stop attributing the incidents in Kosovo to desperate Serbs defending their legitimate rights and freedom through peaceful means and without resorting to weapons.
While Kosovo is predominantly populated by ethnic Albanians, ethnic Serbs in the region, particularly in the northern areas where they form a majority, have remained loyal to Belgrade. Recent tensions were sparked by the election of ethnic Albanian mayors in several northern towns last month, leading to protests from ethnic Serbs who demanded their removal.
Russia Criticizes Kosovo’s Municipal Elections
Russia criticized the municipal elections, asserting that it is not too late to rectify what it considers to be fake elections if the Western powers genuinely prioritize peace and stability in the region. Ethnic Serbs largely boycotted the election in the northern provinces, resulting in ethnic Albanians assuming control of local councils despite the low turnout.
Emphasizing the importance of the Community of Serb Municipalities project, aimed at ensuring a level of self-management for Serbs in the province, Russia called for decisive actions to de-escalate the situation, rejecting what it viewed as inadequate proposals from the United States.
Furthermore, Russia criticized the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), stating that it had become a source of unnecessary violence and an escalating factor in the region. KFOR initially attempted to separate protesters from the police during the clashes but later resorted to dispersing the crowd using shields and batons.
According to KFOR, a total of 30 peacekeepers were wounded in the clashes, suffering injuries such as fractures and burns caused by improvised explosive incendiary devices. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reported that 52 demonstrators were injured, with three in serious condition.
