The Kosovar government alleges Serbia destroyed a vital pipeline providing water and electricity to the northern, Serb-populated region, with some suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s involvement.
Ivana Stradner, a researcher at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, stated that Serbia is a key player in the Kremlin’s strategy to destabilize the Balkans, thereby gaining leverage over Western powers.
Russia maintains deep historical, cultural, and religious ties with Serbia, and pro-Russian narratives are often propagated by the Serbian Orthodox Church. Stradner argues Putin uses these divisions to instigate conflict, while the Serbian president benefits politically from the resulting instability.
Stradner added that Serbian President Vučić uses escalating and de-escalating crises in Kosovo to project stability and strengthen his bargaining position with the West.
Experts express caution, noting the fluidity of information following Balkan crises.
Helena Ivanov, an associate fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, highlights the serious allegations—from Kosovar claims of Serbian orchestration to suspicions of Russian involvement—in this latest escalation, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence and the speculative nature of many claims pending a full investigation.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Kurti described the attack on critical infrastructure as mirroring Russia’s actions in Ukraine, although no evidence of Russian involvement currently exists.
Kurti directly blamed Serbia and President Vučić for the bombing of the water supply canal in Zubin Potok, calling it a terrorist attack.
Ilir Dugolli, Kosovo’s ambassador to the U.S., stated that all evidence points to Serbia’s continued aggression, leveraging resources including organized crime to destabilize Kosovo.
The ambassador characterized this as the latest in a series of Serbian acts of aggression.
Approximately 20 kilograms of explosives were used in the sophisticated blast, highlighting the professional nature of the operation, according to Ambassador Dugolli.
President Vučić vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them baseless.
Vučić claimed on Instagram that the accusations aim to damage Serbia’s international reputation and undermine Balkan stability, calling for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the sabotage.
Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that the sabotage in northern Kosovo is a serious threat to peace and stability, echoing Vučić’s call for an internationally supervised investigation.
Djuric reiterated Vučić’s assertion that the attack aimed to discredit Serbia.
Djuric suggested Kurti’s possible involvement without providing evidence, while also stating Serbia’s willingness to assist in the investigation.
Kosovo’s Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla reported the arrest of eight suspects, the repair of the canal, and the seizure of uniforms, heavy weaponry, and military equipment from ten locations raided by Kosovar police.
Kurti and Vučić met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas in Brussels, who stated that EU membership for both requires normalized relations.
Both Serbia and Kosovo are EU candidates, and resolving their conflict is crucial for membership. Failing to meet obligations or escalating tensions will negatively impact their accession processes and EU financial aid. The ongoing dispute and recent events hinder both countries’ EU aspirations.
The unresolved conflict between Serbia and Kosovo stemming from the 1999 war obstructs normalization efforts. Kosovo, a former Serbian province within Yugoslavia, declared independence in 2008, a declaration not recognized by Serbia or its historical ally, Russia.
Tensions are particularly high in northern Kosovo, where ethnic Serbs, who reject Kosovo’s independence and view Belgrade as their capital, form a majority.