Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has once again insisted that “Kosovo has been and will remain Serbia,” rejecting any recognition of the country’s independence. Speaking in Astana, Kazakhstan, he addressed claims by former diplomat Nebojsha Vujović that Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Gjurić was presented with a secret, binding U.S. plan for Kosovo’s recognition during a visit to Washington.
Vučić described the reports as “untrue” and portrayed the meetings with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Mark Rubio, as routine and coincidental. He stressed that Kosovo’s status is non-negotiable and would not be discussed—“not with Rubio, not with anyone else,” he said.
Despite these denials, Vujović alleged that Vučić would be willing to recognize Kosovo if it helped him maintain his hold on power and avoid U.S. sanctions related to corruption, election manipulation, and breaches of the rule of law. According to the former diplomat, the alleged Washington briefing was intended to advance Kosovo’s formal recognition while giving Vučić time to consolidate his domestic position.
The incident highlights the stark contrast between Vučić’s public assertions and the claims surrounding confidential diplomatic discussions about Kosovo’s future.
