The NATO Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo (KFOR) will strengthen its presence in four municipalities of the partially recognized Republic of Kosovo. This is stated in the official statement of KFOR.
Clashes between Kosovo Serbs and law enforcement agencies, special forces and NATO peacekeepers began after the Kosovo authorities sent the police to "assist" the elected heads of administrations of the municipalities of Zvecan, Leposavich and Zubin Potok in taking their jobs in administrative buildings. Most of the population of these territorial units are Serbs. They boycotted the April 23 local elections, resulting in a turnout of just 3.47%.
According to a KFOR statement, 30 NATO peacekeepers were injured as a result of the unrest in Zvecan, 11 of them from the Italian contingent and 19 from the Hungarian one. They received multiple injuries and fractures, including due to the use of incendiary mixtures by protesters. Three Hungarian peacekeepers were hospitalized with bullet wounds. It is noted that the wounds do not threaten their lives.
The NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo will be reinforced in response to "unprovoked violence". The statement emphasizes:
“Both sides must take full responsibility for what is happening and prevent further escalation, and not hide behind false narratives.”
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic blamed Kosovo authorities and Prime Minister Albin Kurti for the clashes. He also stated that the Kosovo special forces opened fire with firearms on the protesters. Vučić turned to the countries of Quinta (USA, UK, Germany, France and Italy), as well as to Russia and China, with a request to start negotiations on what is happening in Kosovo.
