Security and information expert, and Western Balkans observer Ivana Stradner has reacted following the explosion on the Ibar-Lepenc Canal.
In a post on X, Stradner blamed Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, stating that new escalations in Kosovo could be expected soon.
“There have been protests almost every day in Serbia since the roof collapse that caused several deaths. Vučić is facing serious internal issues, and very soon, new escalations in Kosovo may occur. This is a typical tactic of Vučić’s to divert Western attention and exert more pressure domestically,” Stradner said.
The American analyst added that Vučić is likely to use his “escalation to de-escalate” strategy again, positioning himself as a pillar of stability, blackmailing the West by claiming that if they don’t want the crisis to escalate further, they must support him.
Vučić’s Old Game
“However, this is his old game, and Brussels and Washington are already familiar with this tiresome scenario. There are rumors that Vučić could declare a state of emergency to fight chaos within the country. It’s uncertain if this will happen, but they are already creating panic by mentioning a ‘Romanian scenario’ and a ‘new color revolution’ – typical of Vučić’s populist regime,” Stradner added.
Stradner stressed that to incite panic among the public, Vučić is also misleading people about a nuclear war and sheltering.
Meanwhile, Russia is already spreading propaganda in the media, claiming that Kurti is preparing for a new conflict in Kosovo ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
“We already know how Vučić’s regime works, so prepare for the same old game in the Balkans,” Stradner wrote.
Explosion on the Ibar-Lepenc Canal
Authorities in Kosovo arrested eight suspects and seized weapons, including explosives, following a large-scale operation in northern Kosovo related to the explosion on the Ibar-Lepenc Canal.
The blast, which occurred on Friday night, caused significant damage to the Ibar-Lepenc water channel in the village of Varragë in the municipality of Zubin Potok, prompting Kosovo authorities to accuse Serbia of a “criminal and terrorist” attack on the country’s vital infrastructure.
Serbia has denied the accusations. The attack has been condemned by the international community, which has called for the responsible parties to face justice.
The European Union has labeled the explosion a “terrorist” and “sabotage” act against the Ibar-Lepenc Canal.
