Two Russian citizens who were detained by Kosovo authorities a few days ago for “illegal border crossing” have been fined and subsequently deported from Kosovo.
Kosovo Police stated on May 6 that the two Russians were apprehended at the border crossing point with Serbia, Jarinje, and had arrived there from Nis, Serbia, as they did not have Kosovo visas.
These two Russians, Khusam Azam, 57, a professor, and Elena Azam, 55, a gynecologist, have been fined 250 euros each, said an official of the Basic Court of North Mitrovica, in a response to Radio Free Europe.
“They have been fined based on Article 140 of the Kosovo Penal Code. It is a fine of 250 euros, or six days in prison. This is a legal matter, and the court has issued the punishment stipulated by law,” said an official of the Basic Court of North Mitrovica.
All Russian citizens, including those with diplomatic passports, who want to enter, transit, or stay in Kosovo must obtain a visa.
This decision was made in 2022.
Until then, Russian citizens with diplomatic and official passports were allowed to enter, transit, and stay for up to 15 days in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo without a visa.
Russia does not recognize the citizenship of Kosovo.
However, the two countries have formal relations. The Russian Liaison Office in Pristina was opened as early as 2005, although its public activities have been minimal.
