Vladimir Putin could spark the invasion of three more European countries thanks to Russia‘s support of Serbia, it has been warned.
Albin Kurti, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, warned that Serbia could attack Kosovo, Bosnia, and North Macedonia due to Belgrade’s expansionist aims.
The Kosovan leader made the comments in an interview with Associated Press as the relationship between his country and its neighbours in Serbia continues to sour.
Kosovo gained independence in 2008, but many Serbs believe it is the birthplace of their nation.
But 92 percent of the population living in Kosovo are ethnically Albanian with just six percent ethnically Serb.
After the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Serbia brutally oppressed ethnic Albanians until NATO’s bombing campaign in 1999.
Serbia forces withdrew from Kosovo and the country was able to gain independence, but the tensions remain unresolved.
NATO forces have increased their numbers on the Serbia-Kosovo border in recent years.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister added: “These 25 years in this century, this has been a quarter of a century with the highest degree of peace, freedom and democracy in the Balkans.”
He continued: “Despotic President Putin would be encouraged to proceed further with his destabilisation attempts, even more so if he feels successful in Ukraine.
“I really don’t want to believe that he can theoretically win. But him thinking that (he) can win is problematic enough.”
Mr Kurti wants Kosovo to join the EU, but five European countries still do not recognise Kosovo’s independence.
They are Spain, Greece, Cyprus Romania, and Slovakia. However, Spain recently started to recognise Kosovo passports for those entering the country.
Mr Kurti said: “So there are these small steps. But you know, these small steps do not make one big necessary step, which is recognition.”
His comments come as Putin’s forces continue their invasion of Ukraine.