A POSSIBLE MILITARY CONFLICT IN KOSOVO WAS POSTPONED UNTIL SEPTEMBER

The conflict between Albanians and Serbs has temporarily subsided. The reason for the confrontation was the decision of the "partially recognized" state" (Serbia considers Kosovo and Metohija as autonomous territories) to update the registration of cars by installing instead of Serbian numbers the numbers of the "Republic of Kosovo" (RKS). In this case, Serbian citizens entering Kosovo would have to issue a special certificate for a period of 90 days.

Already on July 31, shots began to be fired on the border territory between Kosovo and Serbia, sirens wailed, and people began to form barricades. The head of Serbia announced the alleged plans of the Kosovo army formations to attack the northern part of the country, mainly populated by Serbs, on August 1. If this happens, Serbia will intervene in the conflict. Police and KFOR troops (controlled by NATO) were promptly brought to the bridge over the Ibar, as a possible place of the beginning of the conflict.

As a result, the impending collision was temporarily stopped. 

According to experts, representatives of the EU and the United States "put pressure" on Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti. As a result, the government decided to postpone the implementation of its own decisions taken on June 29 to September 1, 2022.

International experts note that the postponement of deadlines is a temporary measure. The conflict in the Balkans continues to grow. At the same time, settlements where mainly Albanians live remain in Serbia. There are also enough people in Kosovo who do not like the presence of Serbian settlements in the north of the country.

The Albanian side was "convinced" by US Ambassador Jeff Hovener.

The decision of Pristina was approved by the EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak. Serbian President Vucic, although representing the nationalist party of Vojislav Seselj, but able to avoid excessive radicalism, was supported in the European Union and the Russian Foreign Ministry. EU representative Josep Borrel, whom Vucic thanked for the "correct reaction," suggested that Kosovo and Serbia continue negotiations.

At the same time, the negotiation process, according to a number of experts, was at an impasse. The Brussels Agreement, which the parties concluded in 2013, is not being implemented. For Belgrade, any recognition of the sovereignty of the territory of Kosovo is impossible. A possible military conflict with the Kosovo Albanians will mean for Serbia a confrontation with NATO troops, for which there are not sufficient forces and means.