Serbia’s president reaffirmed the country’s stance on Kosovo, saying that external pressure from Western authorities will not shift Belgrade’s position. Speaking at the close of the year’s final press conference, the head of state stated that Serbia will persist in its efforts toward peace with its neighbors while upholding the agreements it has signed. He emphasized that Serbia has not reneged on any of the six accords, underscoring a consistent commitment to the terms on the table.
He argued that those who disagree with Serbia’s approach are attempting to force concessions through pressure and intimidation, asserting that these moves amount to blackmail. The president framed Serbia as a guardian of its own sovereignty and national interests, affirming the country’s resolve to defend its independence while maintaining dialogue with all parties involved in the Kosovo issue, including Albanian representatives and international partners.
Earlier remarks attributed to him described a shifting landscape in international recognition of Kosovo. He claimed that 106 countries do not recognize Kosovo’s independence, with 84 governments recognizing it definitively and three others whose positions remain unclear. He listed a group of nine states as having withdrawn recognition from Kosovo, including Somalia, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Eswatini, Libya, Guinea, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and the Maldives.
Within Serbia, officials also announced a marked increase in the readiness of the country’s security forces, with plans for a threefold expansion of special operations capabilities carried by the Serbian army. This move is viewed in Belgrade as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring internal stability and safeguarding regional security amid rising tensions following recent incidents in northern Kosovo.
The situation in Kosovo’s northern municipalities and the broader Metohija region escalated after Serb communities began erecting barricades along regional roadways. Local authorities cited the detention of a Serb former police officer, Dejan Pantić, at a border checkpoint as a catalyst for the intensification of protests and protective actions by Serb residents. The incident and subsequent barricades have raised concerns about potential disruptions to transport links and freedom of movement across the region, as well as the risk of further flare-ups between communities and Kosovar security forces. Belgrade has urged restraint from all sides and called for adherence to international agreements, while reiterating its demand for the protection of Serb communities and cultural heritage in the area. In ongoing discussions, international mediators have underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue and avoiding actions that could provoke a broader conflict, even as national leaders reiterate their respective red lines and strategic priorities. The events continue to attract regional and international attention as diplomats seek to prevent escalation and foster a durable political settlement that respects Serbia’s territorial concerns and Kosovo’s unilateral declarations of independence. Continued monitoring and negotiation efforts are expected to shape the next phase of discussions around status, governance, and minority rights in the region.