Politico: Vučić found the culprit for the destabilization of the Western Balkans in Turkey

(Patria) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić accused Turkey of violating international law and destabilizing the Western Balkans by supplying weapons to Kosovo, writes Politico.

"I am appalled by Turkey's behavior and the brutal violation of the UN Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 1244, as well as the continued arming of the authorities in Pristina.

It is now completely clear that Turkey does not want stability in the Western Balkans and that it is dreaming of restoring the Ottoman Empire again. Serbia is a small country, but we have clearly understood the message," Vučić stated in a social media post yesterday.

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Vučić: I am appalled by Turkey's behavior, it does not want stability in the Western Balkans and dreams of restoring the Ottoman Empire again

(Patria) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić objected to the delivery of Turkish drones

Although the UN Security Council Resolution from 1998 prohibits the sale and delivery of weapons to Kosovo, the subsequent resolution from 1999 - Resolution 1244 - states that this prohibition "does not apply to arms and related material intended for the United Nations international civil and security missions".

Belgrade and Ankara maintain complex relations, balancing between economic cooperation and deep historical and political tensions. Turkey remains one of Kosovo's strongest allies and was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo's independence in 2008.

Vučić's comments come after earlier accusations against Albania and Croatia for inciting an "arms race" in the region, after they signed a joint declaration on military cooperation with Kosovo in March.

The latest accusations come amid heightened tensions in northern Kosovo, where intermittent clashes between Serb communities and Kosovo security forces have raised concerns for the region's security in recent years.

Ankara has not yet officially commented on Vučić's statements, but Turkish officials have previously defended their military cooperation with Pristina as part of efforts to strengthen regional defense capabilities.

In January 2024, Turkish Minister of Defense Yaşar Güler and his Kosovo counterpart Ejup Maqedonci signed a framework military agreement in Ankara, expanding cooperation in arms sales, joint exercises, and training programs.