Vucic threatens Kosovo, gives an ultimatum to the international community

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s recent threats towards Kosovo, accompanied by an ultimatum to the international community, mark a concerning escalation in tensions within the Western Balkans. Motivated by recent events in Russia and drawing parallels with Serbia’s own electoral processes, Vucic has intensified his anti-Western rhetoric, moving military forces closer to the Kosovo border and engaging in diplomatic dialogue with Russia. These actions disrupt the delicate security balance in the region.

During a gathering with Serbian children residing in Kosovo, Vucic seized the opportunity to send a message to neighbouring countries and the international community, presenting them with a stark ultimatum: align with Serbia or Kosovo. He emphasized the readiness of the Serbian army to intervene in Kosovo, pending a perceived opportune moment.

The backdrop to these developments includes a terrorist attempt in September of the previous year to occupy the northern part of Mitrovica, orchestrated by a group led by Milan Radojcic. According to official reports and findings following the September 24 attack in Banjske, these terrorist group received logistical support, military training, and detailed plans from the Serbian state. The attack on September 24^thresembled the scale of regular army operations in terms of logistics and military equipment used. Resultantly, one Kosovo police officer was killed, and two others were injured. Milan Radojcic, a close associate of President Vucic, claimed responsibility for organizing the terrorist attack. Despite being wanted by Interpol and sanctioned by the USA, Radojcic remains free in Serbia. Furthermore, recent photographs show him having dinner with Marko Djuric, the Serbian Ambassador to the USA, who is expected to assume a significant position in the Serbian government soon.

Vucic’s characterization of the Banjske attack as a defensive act in support of Serbian citizens in Kosovo further exacerbates tensions. The implicit endorsement of such actions by the Serbian state challenges Western perceptions of stability and security in the region. Recent movements of Serbian military forces near the Kosovo border, coupled with Vucic’s rhetoric, suggest a potential alignment with Russian to spark conflict in the Balkans and confront NATO forces with either war or a security crisis. Even if there is no conventional invasion, Vucic will persist in conducting hybrid warfare and interfering with terrorist groups, as demonstrated in the events of September last year.

International reactions to Vucic’s provocations have been firm. Former NATO head George Robertson emphasized the need for a robust response to Serbian aggression, while US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien condemned the use of force and highlighted that the use of force is unacceptable and this would be considered as endangering the NATO forces in Kosovo.

Recent developments in Kosovo, including compliance with a Constitutional Court decision regarding property restitution to the Decan Monastery, underscore a commitment to European values and integration. Kosovo’s efforts to align with the United States and the European Union stand in contrast to Serbia’s confrontational approach.

Days ago, Kosovo decided to implement the decision of the Constitutional Court to return 24 hectares of property to the Decan Monastery. This action fulfills one of the three conditions for Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe. Vucic’s threat to invade Kosovo is also linked to the anniversary of NATO’s intervention, which halted the Serbian genocide that was happening at that time during the war in Kosovo. On this anniversary, Kosovo has attained negotiated member status in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The decision will undergo formalization through a vote in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia by the end of May. While Serbia endeavours to secure advantages for itself by issuing threats to neighbouring countries and the international community to implement Putin’s plan, Kosovo’s only viable path lies in aligning its policies with its allies, the USA and the EU.Vucic’s threats and ultimatum regarding Kosovo represent a significant challenge to regional stability.His alignment with Russian interests and disregard for international norms risk destabilizing the Western Balkans. It is imperative for the international community to uphold established norms and support Kosovo’s integration efforts to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.