US ambassador: No evidence linking Serbia to Kosovo water supply attack

The US ambassador to Serbia, Christopher Hill, has stated there is no evidence implicating Belgrade in the 29 November attack on Kosovo’s water supply from Lake Ujman. Kosovo authorities had accused Serbia of involvement.

In an interview with Serbia’s state broadcaster, Ambassador Hill emphasised the need for a thorough investigation, supported by the FBI, to identify the perpetrators. He noted a general desire among all parties to uncover the truth and highlighted the incident as indicative of a broader lack of trust and a tendency for mutual accusations.

Kosovo’s government has labelled the attack as a terrorist act, a characterisation echoed by the European Union. Authorities in Pristina suspect members of the “Civil Protection” organisation, designated as a terrorist group by Kosovo last year, of orchestrating the attack. They allege these groups receive support and funding from official Belgrade.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has denied any state involvement and expressed readiness to fully cooperate with the investigation.

The incident has exacerbated existing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, despite international efforts to normalise relations. Ambassador Hill expressed satisfaction with Serbia’s support for the ongoing dialogue process, noting that while progress is challenging, Serbia approaches the talks prepared. He stressed the importance of implementing the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities, an agreement reached nearly 12 years ago, as a central element of the dialogue.

Regarding potential sanctions on Serbia’s Oil Industry (NIS) due to its Russian ownership, Ambassador Hill acknowledged longstanding concerns, especially in light of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He assured that any decisions would not adversely affect Serbia’s economy, emphasising the US interest in Serbia’s continued economic success.

President Vučić recently warned of possible sanctions against NIS, citing its majority Russian ownership and describing it as part of broader geopolitical pressures on Russia. Serbia, which seeks EU membership, maintains close ties with Moscow and has refrained from joining Western sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine.

Belgrade is currently negotiating a new gas supply agreement with Russia, as the existing deal expires in March 2025. NIS, with majority shares owned by Russian companies Gazprom Neft and Gazprom, is Serbia’s sole gas supplier and operates the pipelines transporting Russian gas to the country.