In the ethnically divided town of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, the Serb protesters against Kosovo’s independence have given out shouts such as “Russia, Vladimir Putin!” and “Kosovo is Serbia!” This time, the protests were peaceful and not violent. As they chanted Russia, it is known that Russia will not recognize Kosovo’s independence. They have expressed fears and concerns that it will give a signal to the breakaway states of Georgia and other separatist factions.
This is foreshadowing that the ties between Serbia and Russia will grow stronger.
As a result of the recognition of Kosovo’s independence, Serbia’s Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica had condemned the United States and other nations that did recognize it as an independent state. Recently, Serbia had recalled all envoys from nations that moved to recognize Kosovo’s independence.
The United Nations Security Council and the European Union (EU) have been split on the issue of Kosovo. NATO still remains to provide security. Recently, the United States embassy in Belgrade was attacked and burned. An unidentified charred body was discovered. Non-essential staff was forced to evacuate. NATO had to seal off the northern border of Kosovo.
“If the United States stick to its present position that the fake state of Kosovo exists … all responsibility in the future will be on the United States,” said Branislav Ristovojevic, said in a recent statement. He is an adviser to Kostunica.
It is possible that this will be an issue in the upcoming Democratic and Republican debates. Things could get interesting after March with Russia having its elections. Vladimir Putin cannot run for another term. However, his protégé First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is expected to win the presidency in a landslide.
Medvedev plans to visit Serbia on Monday, February 25. There is a high chance that Putin will be elected as Russia’s Prime Minister.
Leave Your Comments