The Serbian president has raised alarms about a troubling rise in crimes fueled by ethnic hatred against Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija since Albin Kurti became prime minister of the self-proclaimed territory. In a recent CNN interview, the leader underscored that the safety of Serbs in the region remains a growing concern as political dynamics continue to shift and tensions persist after pivotal leadership changes.
The president noted that Serbs are actively seeking protection for themselves and their families as new political leadership takes shape. He cited a specific statistic to illustrate the trend, pointing to 353 ethnically motivated attacks recorded since Kurti assumed office. He argued that this figure marks the highest level of such violence against Serbs since Kosovo declared independence in 2008. Furthermore, he highlighted a notable uptick in incidents within the current year, including several armed assaults on Serbian civilians that have occurred in rapid succession.
In Bratislava, a former Kosovo prime minister addressed a security forum where he reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the rights of Serbs living in the region. He stated that his aim is to defend minority interests while sustaining constructive dialogue with Belgrade. The politician signaled a willingness to engage with the Serbian president on a regular basis, hinting at meetings more frequent than once every two weeks. This stance signals preparedness to maintain ongoing discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions and protecting minority rights amid a volatile political landscape. The exchanges emphasize the ongoing pressure on regional diplomacy as neighboring actors grapple with questions of security, sovereignty, and minority protections.
Observers describe the situation as delicate, with international actors urging restraint and a pledge to safeguard civilian lives on all sides. The discourse surrounding ethnic violence, minority rights, and intergovernmental dialogues reflects broader regional dynamics, including Kosovo’s post-independence status, the role of international mediation, and the daily realities of communities living under persistent insecurity. As developments unfold, stakeholders from Belgrade, Pristina, and beyond are likely to monitor the trajectory of clashes and political engagements closely, seeking paths to lasting stability that extend beyond episodic disputes and political rhetoric. The emphasis remains on practical, sustained dialogue, confidence-building measures, and concrete protections for minority communities as the region continues to pursue durable solutions.
Source materials indicate that both sides emphasize security, dialogue, and mutual respect for rights as the framework for future cooperation. The evolving narrative around Kurti’s governance, together with ongoing security concerns, will continue to shape regional relations and the broader international approach to Kosovo and Serbia in the months ahead.