Kosovo FM warns Serbia mirrors Russia's regional ambitions

Kosovo's Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla-Schwarz has issued a stark warning, alleging that Serbia's actions are a direct reflection of Russia's intentions in the Western Balkans. In a social media post, Gervalla-Schwarz asserted, "History has taught us that to understand Russia’s intentions in our region, one should watch Serbia’s actions. Serbia doesn’t have a foreign policy different from Moscow’s."

Criticism of Serbian Leadership and Military Posture

The minister pointed to recent statements by Serbia's president, who declared the world order dead and vowed to double the army, interpreting the message as being "both for Russia and from Russia." She dismissed claims that Serbia faces external threats, arguing that the real threat "lies in its leadership, which, instead of building a normal European state focused on EU reforms and democracy, dreams of a regional empire — a Russian mindset in miniature." Gervalla-Schwarz concluded with a historical warning: "It wouldn’t be the first time Serbia sets fire to Europe."

Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Context

The statement underscores the deep-seated tensions between Pristina and Belgrade, which have been exacerbated by recent escalations and stalled normalization talks facilitated by the EU. Kosovo's leadership frequently voices concerns about Serbian influence and its close ties with Moscow, especially amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. This rhetoric highlights the fragile stability in the Balkans, where unresolved conflicts and competing geopolitical alignments persist, a situation closely monitored by the international community, including nations like Türkiye, which support dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes in the region.