In 1998, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution banning the sale or supply of weapons to Kosovo, but U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244 of the following year clarified that this ban does not apply to arms for international civil and security use.
Relations between Belgrade and Ankara are complex, balancing economic ties with historical and political tensions. Turkey is one of Kosovo’s staunchest allies and was among the first to recognize its 2008 independence from Serbia.
Vučić’s comments came after previous allegations against Albania and Croatia for allegedly escalating an “arms race” in the region, following their signing of a joint defense cooperation declaration with Kosovo in March.
These accusations occur against a backdrop of increased tensions in northern Kosovo, where sporadic clashes between Serb communities and Kosovo’s security forces have heightened regional security concerns.
Ankara has yet to officially respond to Vučić’s remarks, though Turkish officials have defended their military cooperation with Pristina to strengthen regional defense capacities.
In January 2024, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Kosovar counterpart Ejup Maqedonci signed a military framework agreement in Ankara, enhancing cooperation on arms sales, joint exercises, and training programs.
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