The Kosovo government has accused Serbia of blowing up a crucial pipeline that supplies water and electricity to the ethnically Serb population in the north of Kosovo. There are claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have been involved in the incident.
Experts suggest that Russia has historical, cultural, and religious ties to the Balkans, and narratives sympathetic to Russia often stem from the Serbian Orthodox Church. They believe that Putin exploits these divisions to push the region towards conflict.
While some caution against jumping to conclusions, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has blamed Serbia and President Vucic for what is being labeled as a terrorist attack on the water supply canal in Zubin Potok. The Kosovo government alleges that Serbia is using various resources, including ties with organized crime, to destabilize Kosovo.
President Vucic has denied the accusations, calling them baseless and aimed at tarnishing Serbia's reputation. He has called for a transparent investigation into the incident.
Following the attack, Kosovo's Interior Minister announced the arrest of eight suspects linked to the incident and stated that the damage to the canal has been repaired. Kosovo police also conducted raids and seized military equipment.
The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of Serbia and Kosovo normalizing their relations for EU membership. Both countries aspire to join the EU, but the unresolved conflict between them remains a major obstacle.
The ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, dating back to the 1999 war, continue to hinder their path to reconciliation and EU membership. The situation is particularly volatile in northern Kosovo, where ethnic Serbs, who form the majority, do not recognize Kosovo's independence.
