Russian state-backed media outlets, RT Balkans and Sputnik Serbia, have been stirring up fake news during Kosovo’s recent pre-election campaign. From January 11 to February 9, these channels posted dozens of articles pushing manipulated narratives against ethnic Serbs in Kosovo. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) flagged these reports, which claimed widespread discrimination, without providing any credible proof.
In one shocking headline, “Prishtina llogariti gabimisht – as koktejet e molotovit nuk do t’i trembin serbët” (Pristina miscalculated – Molotov cocktails won’t scare Serbs), Sputnik Serbia published a story that falsely implied Kosovo’s authorities were threatening Serbs with violence ahead of the election. Similarly, RT Balkans alleged that Kosovo’s prime minister, Albin Kurti, had conspired to manipulate elections in favor of Pristina, without offering any evidence to back up the claim.
These fabricated stories paint Kosovo’s government as anti-Serb, referencing events like Molotov cocktail attacks, but conveniently leave out any investigation updates or alternative explanations. The manipulation focuses heavily on the “Serb List,” a political party that claims to protect Serb interests, while ignoring the wider political landscape involving other Serb parties running for parliament.
Ivana Stradner, an expert in democracy defense, commented that Russia uses these operations to create chaos in the region, making it a tool for negotiation leverage with the West. She argues that while Russia may not need military power, its “informational operations” are enough to destabilize Kosovo and beyond.
Despite being blocked under EU sanctions in Kosovo, these Russian outlets still manage to influence the local population via social media platforms and Telegram channels, ensuring their message reaches vulnerable audiences in the region.
Kosovo’s government has yet to comment on how they are countering the influence of these Russian media sources. Meanwhile, Stradner urges the West to ramp up efforts in fighting misinformation and support free media, while also holding accountable those spreading these narratives.
