The spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, has made unfounded claims that the Government of Kosovo, with support from the United States and the European Union, is taking steps to expel Serbs from Kosovo. According to her, this is allegedly being pursued through a “color revolution” scenario, aimed at pressuring Serbian authorities. However, no reports or prior mentions of such a scenario have surfaced.
On December 25, 2024, the Russian state agency Tass published an article titled, “West plans to destabilize situation in Serbia — Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman” The article quotes spokesperson Maria Zakharova making allegations, without providing evidence, that Western countries are drafting plans to destabilize Serbia, including actions targeting Serbs living in Kosovo.
“Another egregious case: an attempt to prevent the ‘Serb list,’ the largest regional Serb party, which has long become a target for attacks from Albanian ultra-nationalist ‘prime minister’ Albin Kurti and his accomplices, from taking part in the elections. Judging by the Kosovars’ statements, Kurti plans new inter-ethnic incidents for Christmas holidays, and the responsibility for these incidents is being publicly put on the Serb party and the regional Orthodox community in advance,” Zakharova underscored. However, she did not provide any names of analysts who have made such statements or evidence to support her claims that Kurti is planning interethnic incidents targeting the Orthodox community, as alleged by the Russians. Zakharova further stated that these actions constitute a severe violation of fundamental human rights and pose a threat of immediate escalation with dire consequences for the region.
The claim that ‘Serb List’ has long been targeted by ultra-Albanian nationalists arises in the context of recent developments surrounding the certification of parties for the February 9 elections.
The ruling party had sought to disqualify Serb List from participating in the elections due to its ties with Serbia and the former deputy leader of Serb List, Milan Radojcic, identified as the mastermind behind the terrorist attack in Banjska, Zvecan, on September 23, 2024. However, this effort was not supported by any legal grounds that would justify barring the party from the elections. Despite these attempts, Serb List was ultimately certified to participate in the February 9 elections, based on decisions from other relevant bodies.
Initially, the Central Election Commission (KQZ) had not certified “Serb List” for participation in the February 9 parliamentary elections, as representatives of the ruling party, Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (LVV), opposed. During the meeting where the issue was discussed, LVV members argued that Serb List does not recognize the state of Kosovo and refuses to refer to it by its official name.
This stance drew criticism from Western countries, including the EU and the US, which publicly expressed their concerns.
“We are concerned about the apparent inclusion of politically motivated criteria in the certification process carried out by the Central Election Commission. Such actions undermine the fundamental democratic principles of free and fair elections and open the door to subjective political influence in the electoral process,” stated a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Prishtina.
The EU has expressed regret over the initial non-certification of Serb List by the Central Election Commission, emphasizing that the certification process “must be based on legal standards and procedures, not political considerations.” This refutes the Russian official’s claim that attempts to bar Serb List from the elections are being carried out with international approval.
The allegations that Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, is planning new interethnic incidents echo statements frequently made by Serbian officials. The decisions of the Kosovo Government regarding the Serb-majority northern regions continue to provoke reactions from those who perceive these actions as an occupation and an attempt by the Government to expel Serbs from Kosovo.
Russia is among the malign external actors aiming to escalate tensions in the Western Balkans, often portraying Kosovo and the Albanian majority as hostile toward Serbs. Russian officials have repeatedly referenced Kosovo, seeking to legitimize their aggression in Ukraine and bolster their anti-Western stance.
*This article is published as part of the Western Balkans Regional Initiative against disinformation. “Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub: exposing malign influences through watchdog journalism.”
