A male individual with the initials M.V., whom the Kosovo Police reported on November 3 as having been injured and allegedly abducted by the Serbian Gendarmerie in the Leposavic area, worked at the Kosovo Security Bureau (Byroja Kosovare e Sigurimit) at the Jarinje border crossing in northern Kosovo.
Radio Free Europe confirmed through multiple sources that the individual in question is Millan Vukashinović from Leposavić, one of the four Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo.
Initially, Serbian lawyer Ivan Ninić posted on social media platform X that Millan Vukashinović had been seriously wounded in a gunfight in the village of Jellakcë near Leposavic, and that doctors were fighting for his life at the Clinical Center in Nish. This village is located near the Kosovo-Serbia border.
Possible Cover-Up by Serbian Authorities
Ninić told Radio Free Europe that, according to his sources, members of the Serbian Army in camouflage uniforms with no identifying marks were involved in the incident.
While Kosovo accused Serbia of a serious violation of border security and peace, the Serbian authorities have yet to comment on the incident. Due to the silence from official bodies, Ninić suspects that the abduction of Vukashinović may have been deliberately concealed.
What Happened on November 1?
According to Ninić, on Saturday, November 1, Dragana Vukashinović, Millan’s mother, contacted him to request legal representation, as her son had visited the border area to meet a friend from Llukovska Banja in Serbia and had not returned home.
This crossing is part of an “alternative” route between Serbia and Kosovo—unofficial border crossings in the Jellakcë area. Ninić said that Vukashinović later contacted his mother from an ambulance, informing her that he had been injured but could not provide further details.
On Monday, with his client’s consent, Ninić spoke publicly about the case, citing the lack of response from Serbian authorities. Through his investigative methods, Ninić determined that Vukashinović had been shot in the border security zone, although he could not specify whether on the Serbian or Kosovar side.
Details of the Incident
Ninić stated: “He was transported to the hospital in Prokuplje. The operation involved three unmarked jeeps, likely belonging to the Serbian Third Army, and a fourth vehicle with license plates. Those involved wore black and dark green camouflage uniforms with no military or gendarmerie insignia and had masks covering their faces.”
Eyewitnesses in Prokuplje and hospital staff confirmed seeing the individuals involved.
Current Condition of Vukashinović
During transport to Nish, Vukashinović lost significant blood. He underwent the removal of a kidney, suffered pulmonary bleeding, and had part of his diaphragm removed. He is currently in intensive care, and his survival remains uncertain. His mother and sister are not allowed to visit in person but can receive updates by phone through medical staff.
Ninić expressed concern that Serbian authorities have not issued any statements or clarified whether an official investigation has begun, whether Vukashinović is under any formal legal procedure, or which prosecutor is handling the case.
The family is reportedly prepared to take legal action against the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Defense, seeking accountability for those involved.
Possible Motives
Ninić said the motives behind the attack remain unclear. He indicated that Vukashinović had conflicts with representatives of the Serb List—the main political party for Serbs in Kosovo supported by Belgrade—because he refused to comply with their policies.
While he could not confirm a political motive, Ninić noted that Vukashinović’s intended meeting involved a Serbian Army member from Llukovska Banja, suggesting that the incident could have been part of a larger operation. The Serb List has not commented on the incident.
Serbia has previously accused members of the Kosovar Serb community of spying for Kosovo authorities, while multiple judicial processes in Kosovo are ongoing regarding suspected espionage in favor of the Serbian Intelligence Agency.
Background of Millan Vukashinović
Vukashinović has worked at the Kosovo Security Bureau since 2011, according to former bureau head Rrahim Pacolli. Ninić added that Vukashinović previously worked for a security company at one of Kosovo’s border points with Serbia. Pacolli confirmed that he had faced prior pressures but never left his position.
Radio Free Europe verified via facial recognition tools that the individual in June’s interview with journalist and former Serbian MP Nemanja Šarović is the same as the person involved in the recent incident.
Prior Statements by Vukashinović
In June, Vukashinović stated that Serbs withdrew from Kosovo institutions in November 2022 under pressure from the Serb List and that he personally experienced intimidation, fearing travel to Serbia and refusing to resign from his position. He had also commented on the September 2023 armed attacks in northern Kosovo, noting that some participants were exploited and that many could no longer safely return to their homes.
Kosovo’s Response
President Vjosa Osmani called on the democratic world to respond to Serbia’s aggressive actions, describing the incident as another example of Serbia’s hegemonic approach. Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla condemned the abduction and highlighted it as part of Serbia’s policy of intimidation and persecution of those who do not comply with the Vučić regime.
Kosovo Police stated that eyewitnesses reported masked individuals entering Kosovo territory, injuring and abducting the victim, who was then transported to Nish, Serbia. Police are coordinating investigations with KFOR. KFOR confirmed awareness of the report and noted that border security remains stable.
The Kosovo Police also contacted the Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Mitrovica but received no additional information at the time of publication.
