The Serbian president threatens to divert the course of the Ibar River as retaliation for the mistreatment of the Serbian minority in Kosovo

The Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that he intends to divert the course of the Ibar River and reduce the water flow reaching Kosovo, in reaction to what he considers the mistreatment of the Serbian minority in the former province.

Vucic stated that he has invited construction companies to analyze this possibility, emphasizing that Serbs are being mistreated. The Ibar River, which originates in Montenegro, flows through Serbia and Kosovo, playing a crucial role in water supply, agricultural irrigation, and electricity generation.

The threat comes in the context of the demolition by the Kosovo authorities of 17 buildings owned by Serbs on the shores of Lake Ujmani, actions that have been criticized by the European Union and the OSCE. The interim Minister of Environment in Kosovo, Fitore Pacolli, has called for international reaction, emphasizing that water resources should not be used as a tool of pressure.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia does not recognize this sovereignty.