Petritsch: There would be nothing more dramatic than a conflict in Kosovo or the Balkans, this should be prevented at any cost

The former European Union's envoy for Kosovo, Wolfgang Petritsch, in an interview for Kosovo Online has spoken of the 2nd anniversary of Russia's intervention in Ukraine and the impact of war there in the Western Balkans region, namely in the report between Kosovo and Serbia.

Petritsch has said he does not think there could be a direct Russian intervention in Kosovo. He has stressed that increased security care must be taken, especially this year and next, due to elections in the EU, the US and many other countries, the Express broadcasts.

He has further added that he fears there will be no progress in dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia due to elections to be held everywhere, adding that for this reason the security issue is in focus and that KFOR is already adding troops.

Petritsch says you have to be careful not to repeat the Banjska case.

“Maturia is the most important thing. I am afraid there will be no progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina due to the upcoming EU elections and the European Commission's new meeting. That's why the security issue is now in front. KFOR in Kosovo is already adding its forces, it must be careful not to repeat events like that in Banjska”, he has said.

Diplomat Petritsch says it is important that it be called on Kosovo and Serbia to exercise restraint and ensure that the elements that s dealt well with the region do not come first.

It is important to understand that Russia is currently not a positive partner in the region. Only on the basis of the war in Ukraine are its political and diplomatic opportunities limited. This is a problem we have to deal with. Therefore, in a way, worsening the situation in Kosovo is collateral damage to the war in Ukraine”, Petritsch underlined.

As for whether Russia is using Kosovo's precedent to intervene in Ukraine and for statements by Prime Minister Albin Kurti that Serbia is the extension of Russia to the region, Petritsch has called for restraint from the stimulating language.

He has said it is necessary for Kosovo to take care of the Serb community in Kosovo and to be careful that things do not get out of control.

Petritsch has added further that nothing would be more dramatic than to detonate a second war hearth in Kosovo or in the Balkans. Petritsch has suggested that such a thing should be prevented

“requires an appeal so that we are not extreme with words and political rhetoric now. It brings no benefit to any party, above all to people living in Kosovo. Serbian mining in Kosovo lives under very difficult conditions. It's always necessary to care for the most vulnerable. It should be careful not to get out of control. Nothing would be more dramatic than if we had a kind of second war room in Kosovo or in the Balkans. This should be prevented regardless of how much it will cost”, he said.