On Monday, the Kremlin revealed it is closely monitoring the situation in northern Kosovo but refrained from condemning the deadly attack carried out by masked individuals against the Kosovo Police in Zvecan the previous day.

Russia’s stance on Kosovo is rooted in its longstanding support for Serbia and its refusal to acknowledge Kosovo’s independence. The two countries share strong cultural and religious ties.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, during a routine media briefing on Monday, acknowledged the severity of the situation. He noted that Kosovo has historically exhibited a negative attitude towards Serbs, and the current situation is highly tense and potentially perilous.

“Russia is maintaining a close watch on developments,” Peskov stated.

The conflict in question unfolded on September 24, resulting in the death of a Kosovo Police officer and injuries to several others. Clashes erupted between law enforcement and an armed group in the northern region of Kosovo, primarily inhabited by Serbs.

Kosovo authorities reported that three attackers were killed, and six individuals suspected of having ties with them were apprehended. Approximately 30 assailants had seized control of a monastery located in the village of Banjska within the Zvecan municipality, along with its surrounding areas.

The Kosovo Police successfully retook control of the monastery late on Sunday, and they are currently securing the village.

In a separate development on Monday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić held a meeting with Russia’s Ambassador to Belgrade Aleksandar Bocan-Harchenko. While Vučić expressed his gratitude for the Russian ambassador’s willingness to engage, he did not elaborate on the specific requests discussed during their meeting.

Kosovo has attributed responsibility for the attack to Serbia, while official Belgrade has placed blame on Kosovo Serbs.