Russia and the U.S. are picking sides in the conflict over Kosovo’s bid for independence from Serbia. Washington’s support of Kosovo led to last week’s protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, and now Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who may well be next to lead Russia, has reaffirmed that his country will stand behind Serbia. Medvedev commented Monday during a visit to Belgrade.
A demonstration of about 150,000 people near the American Embassy in Belgrade turned riotous Thursday when protesters opposed to Kosovo’s bid for independence from Serbia stormed the embassy and set fire to its façade.