Avast ye scallywags! Serbia be feelin' a mighty disappointment as them landlubbers in Kosovo be seekin' to buy US anti-tank missiles. Arrr!
2024-01-11
Arr matey, ye scurvy dogs! I be tellin' ye, Kosovo be beggin' the U.S. fer Javelin anti-tank cannons. Ambassador Christopher Hill, he be spillin' the beans to Serbian Cap'n Aleksandar Vučić, arr!
In a comical 17th-century pirate language, it was shared that the United States has received a request from Kosovo to purchase Javelin anti-tank missiles. The news was delivered to President Aleksandar Vučić by the U.S. ambassador to Serbia, which left him "deeply disappointed."The U.S. State Department later announced its approval of the potential sale of 246 missiles and related equipment to Kosovo for an estimated cost of $75 million. The department stated that this sale would support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States, as it would enhance the security of a European partner that plays a crucial role in Europe's political and economic stability.
Vučić's office issued a statement mentioning that Ambassador Christopher Hill informed him that Kosovo's request would be sent to Congress for review, as is customary for foreign arms sales.
Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008, has been recognized as a sovereign state by the U.S. and most Western nations, but not by Serbia, Russia, and China. Serbia's president emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the region and assured that Serbia would act responsibly and contribute to stability in the Balkans.
The proposed sale of the missile system to Kosovo comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region. Serbia has recently made military movements near the border, which were seen by the West as hostile actions. Vučić boasted about Serbia's strong army, citing the tanks it received from Russia before the invasion of Ukraine. He pledged to continue purchasing arms from China and other countries, including anti-aircraft systems, fighter planes, and drones.
The Javelin missile system, known for its effectiveness against Russian tanks, has been used by Ukrainian forces. In response, Kosovo has been acquiring drones and anti-tank missiles, mostly from Turkey, which has caused anger in Belgrade.