Text resize: A A
Change contrast

Russian aggression echoes Serbian aims regarding Kosovo

From the perspective of Kosovo, the aggression exerted by Russia against Ukraine is seen similarly as the acts committed by Serbia. The aim of both is territorial expansion. While Russia is trying to maintain its influence, Serbia aims to create what is called the “Serbian world”. Both call for greater autonomy for local citizens to justify their aggressive aims.

Kosovo and Serbia cannot agree on a sustainable political solution. The conflict between these two countries is deeply rooted and has not been resolved even after tense negotiations in Vienna in 2006-07. These negotiations produced a document known as the Ahtisaari Plan. Kosovo then declared its statehood in 2008 based on this agreement but Serbia did not accept it.

September 17, 2024 - Dorajet Imeri - AnalysisIssue 5 2024Magazine

Poland KFOR soldiers patrol Northern Kosovo. Photo: Nada B/Shutterstock

At the same time, other powers had different positions on the newly declared state, turning it into an area where geopolitical strategic interests clashed. The United States and most western countries recognized the new state but Russia and others had different stances, even seeing it as a pretext for their actions in their so-called spheres of influence. This has subsequently made the situation even more complex. Meanwhile, Russia aims to keep challenging Kosovo’s statehood.

Yet, Kosovo is not the only possible crisis hotspot in the Western Balkans and beyond. Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Middle East are on this list, while tensions may continue to escalate further. On the other hand, stability in these regions is crucial for the West, especially in Kosovo. This is true even if this stability resembles a new status quo as it seems there is still no possibility of finding a sustainable political solution between Kosovo and Serbia. This was reflected in a rushed agreement in Brussels in 2023 and an annex agreement for implementation in Ohrid, North Macedonia, which remains to be implemented.

This article is for members only

Join the New Eastern Europe community to unlock this article — plus enjoy full access to premium content, our digital archive, newsletter insights, and podcast updates.

BECOME A MEMBER!

Already a member? Sign in to read the full article.

, ,

Partners

Terms of Use | Cookie policy | Copyryight 2025 Kolegium Europy Wschodniej im. Jana Nowaka-Jeziorańskiego 31-153 Kraków
Agencja digital: hauerpower studio krakow.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. View more
Cookies settings
Accept
Decline
Privacy & Cookie policy
Privacy & Cookies policy
Cookie name Active
Poniższa Polityka Prywatności – klauzule informacyjne dotyczące przetwarzania danych osobowych w związku z korzystaniem z serwisu internetowego https://neweasterneurope.eu/ lub usług dostępnych za jego pośrednictwem Polityka Prywatności zawiera informacje wymagane przez przepisy Rozporządzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady 2016/679 w sprawie ochrony osób fizycznych w związku z przetwarzaniem danych osobowych i w sprawie swobodnego przepływu takich danych oraz uchylenia dyrektywy 95/46/WE (RODO). Całość do przeczytania pod tym linkiem
Save settings
Cookies settings