Russian analyst: Russia not to back final solution between Kosovo, Serbia

Russian analyst Maxim Samorukov claims that Moscow's stance connects Belgrade's hands.

In the analysis it is estimated that Moscow has no reason to support the final resolution of relations between Kosovo and Serbia because it would have won nothing, but that it would have lost its influence in the region,

At this moment Russia is Serbia's key ally because it can ensure that Kosovo will not enter the United Nations and other international organisations.

For the foreign observer, sabotaging the resolution of relations with Kosovo seems like unlimited support to Serbia, and this support does not leave Belgrade with room for maneuvering negotiations with Kosovo.

Samorukov asked questions: “Why would Russia help resolve relations with Kosovo? To allow Serbia to enter the EU and impose sanctions on Russia? To force Russians to seek visas when visiting Serbia? For Serbia to toughen the bilateral trade agreement with Russia because of the EU? To allow Serbia to deepen co-operation with NATO and become part of the West?

All these results are unwanted for Russia, which, to prevent this, simply needs only to continue with the policy of refusal to recognise Kosovo.

For the foreign observer, sabotaging the resolution of relations with Kosovo seems like unlimited support to Serbia. Promises that Russia will not leave Serbia “in mud” and that it will do everything in its power to maintain its territorial integrity appear as acts of mutual friendship with Serbs. In reality, the Serbian leadership does not know how to free itself from this support, which Belgrade does not allow for maneuvering space in negotiations with Kosovo”.

Serbian leaders dare not act as if they were less patriotic than the Kremlin. The Kremlin knows this and gives public communiqués, which force Serbs to take inscriminately positions.

Belgrade has tried to persuade President Vladimir Putin's guest to provide at least little maneuvering space on Serbia's most important foreign policy issue -- recognition of Kosovo.