In a recent interview with the Croatian media outlet Večernji List, Kosovo's acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, warned of an increasing Russian influence in northern Kosovo following Russia's aggression in Ukraine. According to Maqedonci, this rise in influence is closely linked to intelligence operations emanating from Serbia.
The Minister specifically pointed to "credible information" regarding the presence of Russian intelligence personnel within the "Russian Humanitarian Center" in Niš, Serbia. "We have reliable information about intelligence operatives stationed at the Russian Humanitarian Center in Niš who exert influence over illegal structures in northern Kosovo. Since the beginning of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, this influence has expanded through cooperation with Serbia," Maqedonci stated.
The Kosovo official emphasized that his country is strengthening its military capabilities not for offensive purposes, but solely for national defense. "We are not increasing our military strength to invade neighboring countries, but to ensure that our army is capable of defending Kosovo, regardless of the adversary’s power," he affirmed.
His comments come in the wake of a recent trilateral military agreement between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia. The agreement, signed weeks ago, aims to enhance military cooperation between the three nations. Maqedonci reassured that this agreement is not intended as an aggressive stance against neighboring states but rather as a means of bolstering regional security.
With tensions still high in the Balkans and Russian influence becoming a growing concern, Kosovo's defense strategy appears increasingly focused on safeguarding its sovereignty against potential external threats.