Serbia-Kosovo tensions escalate as Vučić accuses Turkey of reviving Ottoman Empire ambitions

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić accused Turkey of seeking to destabilize the Western Balkans and revive the Ottoman Empire following Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s announcement on 8 October that Turkey had delivered thousands of “Skydagger” suicide drones to Pristina’s airport.

The delivery, which comes just days before Kosovo’s local elections on October 12, 2025, has intensified already strained Serbia-Kosovo relations, raising concerns about regional stability and compliance with international agreements.

In a post on X on 8 October, Vučić expressed outrage, stating, “It is now completely clear that Turkey does not want stability in the Western Balkans and that it dreams of reviving the Ottoman Empire.”

He described himself as “appalled” and “disgusted” by Turkey’s delivery of thousands of Skydagger suicide drones, accusing Ankara of a “brutal violation” of the UN Charter and Resolution 1244. Vučić emphasized that Serbia, though a small country, understands Turkey’s “true intentions” and will remain vigilant.

Petar Petković, Director of Serbia’s Office for Kosovo, echoed Vučić’s sentiments, arguing that Turkey’s arming of Kosovo directly contravenes Resolution 1244, which designates KFOR as the only legitimate armed force in Kosovo.

Petković questioned the timing of the drone delivery, noting it occurred “three months ahead of schedule and just a few days before the local elections.”

He suggested the move was intended to bolster Kurti’s position ahead of the vote, enabling him to “continue terrorizing the Serbian people.”

Petković warned that Belgrade would “responsibly guard peace and stability” despite what he described as “armed alliances” threatening the region.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, announcing the drone delivery on Facebook, stated that dozens of Kosovo security force members had been trained by the Turkish company Baykar to operate the Skydagger FPV drones. He described the drones as “combat drones equipped with explosive devices aimed at hitting moving and static enemy targets,” adding that they complement Kosovo’s existing arsenal, including TB2 Bayraktar and Puma drones.

Kurti framed the acquisition as part of Kosovo’s efforts to build a “capable and coherent force” with modern warfare capabilities, signaling Pristina’s intent to strengthen its security apparatus despite objections from Belgrade.

Serbia and Kosovo have a long history of tension rooted in Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, which Serbia does not recognize, viewing Kosovo as its sovereign territory. The 1999 NATO intervention ended the Kosovo War, leading to the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, which established the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and authorized the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) as the sole legitimate armed force in Kosovo.

The resolution also called for the demilitarization of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and prohibited the establishment of a Kosovo military.

Relations have remained volatile, with frequent disputes over governance, minority rights, and security arrangements. The upcoming local elections in Kosovo are particularly contentious. Ethnic Serb communities in northern Kosovo, who largely align with Belgrade, face pressure amid allegations of intimidation by Pristina’s authorities. Recent incidents, including clashes between Kosovo police and Serb protesters, have heightened fears of violence.

Does the drone delivery violate UN Resolution 1244?

UN Security Council Resolution 1244, adopted in 1999, remains the primary international framework governing Kosovo’s status. It mandates the demilitarization of Kosovo, except for KFOR, and does not explicitly authorize the creation of a Kosovo military or security force equipped with advanced weaponry.

Serbia argues that Kosovo’s acquisition of lethal drones violates the resolution, as it constitutes the arming of a non-KFOR entity. Petković’s assertion that KFOR is the sole legitimate armed force in Kosovo aligns with a strict interpretation of the resolution’s text.

However, Kosovo and its international supporters, including Turkey, argue that the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), established in 2009 and transformed into a limited defence force in 2018, operates within Kosovo’s sovereign rights to self-defense.

While Resolution 1244 does not explicitly prohibit the KSF, its development into a military-like entity equipped with advanced drones challenges the spirit of the resolution, particularly given its lack of UN approval. The delivery of Skydagger drones, which are explicitly combat-oriented, obviously escalates this ambiguity, as they enhance Kosovo’s offensive capabilities in a way not envisioned by the resolution.

Despite the aspirations of both Belgrade and Pristina for EU accession, the European Union has issued no reaction so far to the recent delivery of Turkish drones to Kosovo.

With Beta agency, edited by g.g.

Caption: According to the post on X by “Kosovo Security Force” on 8 October 2025, “thousands” of kamikaze drones arrived in Kosovo. Prime Minister Albin Kurti is pictured at the Pristina airport [2nd left].