Eight years ago, Serbian authorities sent a train toward Kosovo adorned with Serbian flags, medieval iconography, and the message “Kosovo is Serbia” written in 20 languages. The train’s launch was a provocative act, initiated without Prishtina’s permission, and was perceived by Kosovo as an infringement on its sovereignty.
On its journey toward Kosovo, the train was halted in Raška, southwestern Serbia, following strong opposition from Kosovo authorities. Serbia claimed the train was part of a plan to establish a regular Belgrade–Mitrovica railway service. However, Kosovo officials, including then-President Hashim Thaçi, condemned the train as a nationalist provocation that violated Kosovo’s Constitution and laws.
Thaçi stated:
“Kosovo respects the free movement of people and goods. However, the entry of a train wrapped in nationalist propaganda from Serbia, which contradicts the Constitution and laws of Kosovo, is entirely unacceptable. Furthermore, passengers and Serbian officials on the train lacked the necessary permits to enter Kosovo.”
Then-Prime Minister Isa Mustafa echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that such provocations would not be allowed, as they risked destabilizing Kosovo and the region, potentially leading to unpredictable consequences.
Serbian Response
Serbia’s then-Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić accused Prishtina of provocation and complained to EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, warning that Serbia would inform Russia, China, and the United States about Kosovo’s alleged “war games.”
Meanwhile, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić issued a threat to deploy the military to Kosovo, a move widely seen as rhetorical posturing since any such action would confront NATO forces in the region.
International Reaction
The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo at the time, Greg Delawie, called for restraint on both sides, urging normalization over confrontation. International media closely monitored the situation, describing it as a reminder of the fragile peace and stability in the Balkans.
While the incident stopped short of triggering violence, it highlighted the deep-seated tensions and the precarious nature of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
This event remains a stark reminder of the challenges in achieving lasting peace in the Balkans. Despite international mediation efforts, the Kosovo-Serbia relationship continues to be marked by unresolved issues and provocations that test the region’s stability.
