Russia blames US and EU for escalating tensions in Kosovo

(Patria) - Russia has blamed Kosovo, the United States, and the European Union for escalating tensions in the Balkans and said it is watching with concern the violent clashes between the Kosovo police and demonstrators protesting against mayors from the ethnic Albanian community.

The United States and its allies on Friday criticized Kosovo, saying the use of force to install mayors in ethnic Serb areas undermined efforts to improve problematic relations with neighboring Serbia. NATO called on Kosovo to de-escalate tensions. The clashes led Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to put the army on full combat alert on Friday and order units to move closer to the border.

“We strongly condemn Pristina’s provocative steps, which have brought the situation close to a hot phase and directly threaten the security of the entire Balkan region,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in a statement.

“The responsibility for this lies entirely with the United States and the European Union,” she said, adding that the criticism of Kosovo by “Western mediators” came too late.

Serbia and its traditional ally Russia do not recognize Kosovo's independence, and Moscow has blocked the country's efforts to become a member of the United Nations, Reuters reminds.