Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called Serbia the extended arm of Russia in the Balkans and the biggest threat to peace in the region.
In discussing the major challenges to stability in the Western Balkans, Kurti warned that the risk doesn’t come solely from Serbia, but also from its alliance with Russia.
Kurti emphasized that Belgrade acts as Moscow’s extended arm in the region, presenting a significant threat to peace and security. He stated that there can be no normalization of relations between the two countries as long as Serbia refuses to recognize reality and operates as an instrument of Russian interests.
“We cannot talk about normalizing relations while Serbia refuses to recognize reality and acts as an instrument of Russian interests. Its destabilizing policy is not only a problem for Kosovo, but for the entire Western Balkans,” Kurti said in an interview with Croatian media Večernji list.
Kurti stressed that Moscow is using Serbia to achieve its geopolitical goals, aiming to weaken the European Union and NATO. “Putin’s regime sees the Western Balkans as a weak point in Europe. Through Serbia, it seeks to spread its influence and cause instability in the region,” the Kosovo Prime Minister highlighted.
In the interview, Kurti expressed confidence that the U.S. will remain Kosovo’s key ally, especially in the face of threats from Serbia and Russia. “We expect clear support from the administration in Washington for strengthening Kosovo’s sovereignty and security. America has always stood by us, and this is more important now than ever,” he said.
Kurti concluded by reaffirming Kosovo’s commitment to strengthening its international position and working towards peace in the region. “Kosovo is committed to stability, but it will not tolerate threats or destabilization from Serbia or anyone else. Our goal is peace, equality, and prosperity for all our citizens,” he concluded.
