Serbian President Exposes Truth about Troop Build-up on Kosovo Border

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić disputed the accuracy of Washington's reports last week, which warned of a significant Serbian troop presence on the Kosovo border. In an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, Vučić expressed appreciation for reports coming from the NSC, the White House, and other US institutions but noted that these reports were not entirely accurate.

The White House expressed its concern last week about a significant increase in advanced Serbian artillery, tanks, and mechanized infantry units near the Kosovo border. The White House called for an immediate de-escalation in response to the situation.

According to Vučić, the number of people at the administrative line with Kosovo has decreased from 14,000 a year ago to less than 8,400 a few days ago. Currently, there are only 4,400 people, which is considered a normal figure.

"We consistently heard and actively heeded our partners' calls for de-escalation, and we have indeed responded accordingly this time, even though there was no significant cause for concern. We had no intention of engaging in any form of warfare or confrontation with NATO," he emphasized.

Soldiers with the NATO-led international peacekeeping force, the Kosovo Force, in the ethnically divided city of Mitrovica, in northern Kosovo, on September 28.

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When asked about the increased deployment of troops to the border, Vučić stated that the Serbian government closely monitors the situation and strategically positions its forces to best serve their operations. However, he clarified that he had not authorized a high alert for the army personnel. The longstanding contentious relationship between Serbia and Kosovo escalated in late September when a group of 30 armed individuals attacked a Kosovar police patrol in the village of Banjska, resulting in a deadly shootout that claimed the life of one police officer and three gunmen.

Belgrade was accused by Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani of inciting the violence, according to Reuters. Over the weekend, Milan Radoicic, a prominent Kosovo Serb politician, claimed his involvement in the gun battle.

In a letter sent to Reuters by his lawyer, Radoicic, a wanted individual in Kosovo who currently resides in neighboring Serbia, claimed that he independently organized support for the protection of the Serb population, without any assistance from the Serbian authorities. Radoicic, who is suspected of involvement in organized crime, remains subject to US sanctions.

In Banjska, Kosovo, on September 27, 2023, there is a notable presence of heavily armed police forces and armored vehicles. Following a daylong exchange of gunfire between armed Serbs and Kosovar police on Sunday, which resulted in the death of one officer and three gunmen, media access to the village has been granted by the police.

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When questioned about whether Radoicic will face the accountability demanded by the European Union, the Serbian president confirmed Serbia's commitment to hold all individuals responsible for criminal actions found on their territory. He stated that prosecutors will carry out their duties, but also emphasized that the situation arose from Serbs' desire to protect themselves.

"I will not justify the killing of an Albanian police officer, and I did not have any involvement in it. I strongly denounced that act. However, I do want to highlight that Serbs have experienced arrests without charges, home searches, evictions, and expropriations, all of which were not in compliance with the Brussels agreement," he further explained.

Fragile peace

The clash marked a significant event, ranking among the most severe confrontations since Kosovo's proclamation of independence from Serbia in 2008. Almost ten years after a forceful NATO bombing initiative that expelled Serbian troops accountable for a merciless suppression of ethnic Albanians native to Kosovo, ultimately culminating the 1998-99 conflict.

After over 20 years since the war, Kosovo has managed to maintain a delicate peace, although Serbia still considers it a separatist region and refuses to acknowledge its independence. The Serbian population in Kosovo identifies themselves as Serbian and regards Belgrade as their capital, rather than Pristina.

This recent conflict follows the previous incident in May, where ethnic Serbs attacked numerous NATO peacekeepers in Zvecan, a town located in northern Kosovo. The clashes erupted when Serbian protesters attempted to prevent newly elected mayors of Albanian ethnicity from assuming office after a disputed election in April.

Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia's president, in his office in Belgrade, Serbia, January 17, 2023.

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Western leaders swiftly condemned the violent actions and called on both parties to reduce tensions. The violence has raised tensions in the Balkan region, as EU and US mediators work towards the completion of long-standing negotiations to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

When questioned about Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star, leaving a political message on a TV camera lens at the French Open in May as a response to the violent clashes in Kosovo, the president expressed his belief that Djokovic was genuinely sharing his emotions. However, the president emphasized the importance of Serbian politicians adopting a pragmatic approach towards the situation.

After defeating American Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round, Djokovic expressed his sentiment towards Kosovo by inscribing "Kosovo is the [heart] of Serbia. Stop the violence" in Serbian on a camera lens, accompanied by a heart symbol.

"I firmly believe that Novak Djokovic's words resonated with heartfelt sincerity. It is a sentiment shared by the majority of Serbian individuals. However, as politicians, we must adhere to pragmatism and rationality, seeking resolutions through diplomatic negotiations and a constructive mindset," stated the Serbian leader.

CNNs Sophie Tanno, Radina Gigova, Josh Pennington, Eve Brennan and Alex Stambaugh contributed reporting.