"Russia and Putin want to open a new front against the West by destabilizing the Western Balkans".
This was stated by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani in an exclusive interview with TVP World.
"And for this reason, it is crucial that Kosovo works hand in hand with allies, with partners in the democratic world, to make sure that we stop these destabilization initiatives by Serbia, aided and abetted by Russia," Osmani said .
Her comments reflect concerns that Russia may try to use its strong economic, cultural and historical ties with Serbia to exert influence in the region, which is still in a state of flux.
"I believe there is hope for the Western Balkans to eventually join the European Union and NATO," the president emphasized.
"But the precondition for achieving such results is that Serbia is treated as what it is a satellite state of Russia that only strengthens its military, economic and political cooperation with Russia," Osmani added.
She attributed the tension between Serbia and Kosovo to Belgrade's policy towards the republic, which was once part of Serbia until it declared independence in 2008.
"There is one country, which is Serbia, which has become Putin's strongest puppet country in Europe. And then there is Kosovo and other countries in the region, which are constantly victims of aggressive actions on the part of Serbia," explained the head of state of Kosovo. | BGNES
