Balkans | The Kremlin: We support Serbia on Kosovo

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected accusations that Russia has a “devastating impact” on the tension between Kosovo and Serbia and said: “We support Belgrade in the steps taken.” He said.

Speaking to reporters in the capital, Moscow, Peskov made assessments of the escalating tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.

Stating that they do not accept accusations against Russia about the tension in the region, Peskov said, “Serbia is a sovereign state and it is wrong to look for Russia’s destructive influence here. Serbia naturally protects the rights of Serbs who live together in difficult circumstances and reacts harshly when these rights are violated.” He said.

Noting that Russia is closely following the developments, Peskov said: “We are closely following the developments related to how to guarantee the rights of Serbs. We support Belgrade in the steps taken.” He said.

Peskov said, in his assessment of the ban on selling oil to participants in the application of the Russian oil price ceiling, by the decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday, “If there is an indication of the price ceiling in contracts, including existing contracts, the ban will be applied and if there is no price ceiling.” It will not be applied.” Use his statements.

Peskov called the price cap’s implementation “illegal and absurd” and said the ban imposed by Russia was their sovereign right.

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia escalate after the arrest of former Serbian police officer Dejan Pantec.

In response to Bantik’s detention, Kosovo Serbs have been manning the barricades they have set up at the Yarenje and Brinjak border crossings since 10 December.

The European Union, NATO and the United States of America called for de-escalation of tension in northern Kosovo and the removal of roadblocks. Serbia has asked the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo (KFOR) to deploy Serbian army and police in northern Kosovo.

Serbia considers Kosovo, which unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, to be its territory.

Serbia and Kosovo, which clash periodically, are trying to find a common way to normalize relations, and eventually the two countries get to know each other, within the framework of the dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina, which began in 2011 under the mediation of the European Union.