Kosovo's Public Radio-Television reports that the websites of state institutions in Pristina have been under attack by Russian hackers, rendering them non-functional. Kosovo's Defense Minister, Ejup Maqedonci, emphasized that this cyberattack against Kosovo came as retaliation for the military support provided to Ukraine. The same accusation against Moscow was reiterated by Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla.
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| A Russian hacker working on a laptop and Russian flag in the beckground |
"Russia is attacking Kosovo in a hybrid manner today, following our announcement of military equipment support for Ukraine in its justified defense against Russian genocidal aggression. We know from Serbia's genocide against Kosovo that only military means can stop genocide," Gërvalla said.
This reaction comes at a time when Russia is increasingly involving itself in Western Balkan affairs, vocally supporting Serbia's position and opposing Kosovo.
The cyberattack on Kosovo's state institutions by Russian hackers represents a significant escalation in tensions between Kosovo and Russia. This incident underscores Russia's growing involvement in Balkan affairs and its opposition to Kosovo's sovereignty.
Kosovo, a former province of Serbia composed by more than 95% of Albanians, declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia vehemently opposes and one that Russia does not recognize. Since then, Kosovo has faced numerous challenges in its efforts to gain international recognition and establish itself as a sovereign state. Despite recognition from over 100 countries, including the United States and a majority of EU member states, Kosovo's status remains disputed, with Serbia and Russia leading the opposition.
Russia's support for Serbia in the Kosovo issue is rooted in historical and geopolitical factors. Historically, Russia has maintained close ties with Serbia, based on shared Slavic and Orthodox Christian heritage. Moreover, Russia sees itself as a counterbalance to Western influence in the Balkans, viewing Kosovo's independence as a precedent that could encourage separatist movements in regions with Russian interests, such as Crimea or South Ossetia.
In recent years, Russia's involvement in Balkan affairs has become increasingly pronounced. Moscow has sought to strengthen its influence in the region through diplomatic, economic, and military means. This includes support for Serbia's accession to the EU, opposition to Kosovo's membership in international organizations, and the provision of military assistance and arms sales to Serbia.
The cyberattack on Kosovo's state institutions must be seen in this broader context of geopolitical competition and power struggles in the Balkans. By targeting Kosovo's presidency and prime minister, Russia aims to destabilize the country, undermine its government's legitimacy, and send a clear message that it will not tolerate Kosovo's alignment with Western powers, particularly in support of Ukraine.
As tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate, the situation in the Balkans is likely to remain volatile, with Kosovo caught in the middle of competing interests and geopolitical ambitions. Efforts to resolve the Kosovo-Serbia dispute and ensure stability in the region will require diplomatic engagement, international cooperation, and a commitment to upholding Kosovo's sovereignty and territorial integrity.