A tragic shooting incident took place at a school in Serbia's capital Belgrade on Wednesday (May 3), killing a total of nine people, including eight students and a security guard. A teacher and some other students were injured, said the interior ministry.&nbsp;

The ministry added that a 14-year-old boy shot his teacher in the classroom, and after that, he opened fire on other students and security guards. The seventh-grade student had been arrested, the police said.&nbsp;

As reported by news agency Reuters citing a local channel, Milan Milosevic, the father of one of the students at the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school, said his daughter was in the class when the shooting incident took place. As quoted, Milosevic told broadcaster N1: "She managed to escape. (The boy) ... first shot the teacher and then he started shooting randomly."&nbsp;

The shooter had a 'detailed' plan and list of people he&nbsp;wanted to kill, police said.

The school is located in the central Vracar district and the mayor from there, Milan Nedeljkovic, said doctors were fighting to save the teacher's life. Six children had been hospitalised along with the teacher.&nbsp;

Milosevic, who rushed to the school after the shooting, said, "I saw the security guard lying under the table. I saw two girls with blood on their shirts. They say he (the shooter) was quiet and a good pupil. He recently joined their class."&nbsp;

A girl who attends a high school adjacent to Vladislav Ribnikar told state TV RTS: "I saw kids running out of the school, screaming. Parents came, they were in a panic. Later I heard three shots."&nbsp;

Security in the surrounding region has been beefed up and officers in helmets and bulletproof vests have cordoned-off the area around the school.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A tragic shooting incident took place at a school in Serbia's capital Belgrade on Wednesday (May 3), killing a total of nine people, including eight students and a security guard.

A tragic shooting incident took place at a school in Serbia's capital Belgrade on Wednesday (May 3), killing a total of nine people, including eight students and a security guard. A teacher and some other students were injured, said the interior ministry. The ministry added that a 14-year-old boy shot his teacher in the classroom, and after that, he opened fire on other students and security guards. The seventh-grade student had been arrested, the police said. As reported by news agency Reuters citing a local channel, Milan Milosevic, the father of one of the students at the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school, said his daughter was in the class when the shooting incident took place. As quoted, Milosevic told broadcaster N1: "She managed to escape. (The boy) ... first shot the teacher and then he started shooting randomly." The shooter had a 'detailed' plan and list of people he wanted to kill, police said. The school is located in the central Vracar district and the mayor from there, Milan Nedeljkovic, said doctors were fighting to save the teacher's life. Six children had been hospitalised along with the teacher. Milosevic, who rushed to the school after the shooting, said, "I saw the security guard lying under the table. I saw two girls with blood on their shirts. They say he (the shooter) was quiet and a good pupil. He recently joined their class." A girl who attends a high school adjacent to Vladislav Ribnikar told state TV RTS: "I saw kids running out of the school, screaming. Parents came, they were in a panic. Later I heard three shots." Security in the surrounding region has been beefed up and officers in helmets and bulletproof vests have cordoned-off the area around the school. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Serbia school shooting: At least nine people killed, including eight students

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Mass shooting in Serbia school, US arrests 288 criminals in Dark Web Bust, 11,000 Hollywood writers demand better pay, Black Sea grain deal.

Mass shooting in Serbia school | US arrests 288 criminals in Dark Web Bust | WION Speed News

'Trees' are the source of life. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen for breathing. They also combat air pollution by purifying the air we breathe. They are essential in sustaining life on earth. Usually, the first visual that crosses our mind when we hear 'Tree' is a large bushy plant with a trunk. A tree requires a large space to grow, which is a hefty task to find in dense bustling city streets. A recent innovation, however, solves this issue while giving some respite from air pollution.

Serbian scientists create liquid trees to take on urban pollution

Serbia, the only country in Europe that has refused to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, agreed to supply arms to Kyiv or has sent them already, according to a classified Pentagon document.

The document, a summary of European governments' responses to Ukraine's requests for military training and "lethal aid" or weapons, was among dozens of classified documents posted online in recent weeks in what could be the most serious leak of U.S. secrets in years.

Entitled "Europe|Response to Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict," the document in chart form lists the "assessed positions" of 38 European governments in response to Ukraine's requests for military assistance.

The chart showed that Serbia declined to provide training to Ukrainian forces, but had committed to sending lethal aid or had supplied it already. It also said Serbia had the political will and military ability to provide weapons to Ukraine in the future.

The document is marked Secret and NOFORN, prohibiting its distribution to foreign intelligence services and militaries. It is dated March 2, and embossed with the seal of the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Reuters could not independently verify the document's authenticity.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's office and the Ukrainian embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Pentagon also did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about the document's reference to Serbia and has previously declined to comment on any of the leaked documents.

Vucic's government has professed neutrality in the Ukraine war, despite the country's deep historic, economic and cultural ties with Russia.

"If this document is accurate, it either shows Vucic's duplicity vis a vis Russia or he's under enormous pressure from Washington to deliver weapons to Ukraine," said Janusz Bugajski, an Eastern European expert with the Jamestown Foundation, a foreign policy institute.

The Justice Department is investigating the leak, while the Pentagon is assessing the damage done to U.S. national security.

The Pentagon chart divided the responses to Ukraine's requests for aid into four categories: countries that had committed to provide training and lethal aid; countries that had already provided training, lethal aid or both; countries with the military ability and the political will "to provide future lethal aid."

Austria and Malta were the only two countries marked "No" in all four categories.

The disclosure of the chart comes just over a month after documents posted in a pro-Russia channel on the Telegram global messaging app purportedly showed the shipment by a Serbian arms maker of 122mm Grad ground-to-ground rockets to Kyiv in November. The documents included a shipment manifest and a Ukrainian government end-user certificate.

Moscow said in March it had asked Belgrade for an official explanation of the alleged deliveries, the state-run TASS news agency quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying.

Arms manufacturer Krusik Corp. of Valjevo denied providing rockets or other weaponry to Ukraine. Vucic called the allegations "a notorious lie."

"We didn't export any weapons or ammunition to Russia or Ukraine," he said during a March 5 visit to Qatar.

Reuters could not independently confirm the authenticity of the shipment documentation posted on Telegram.

Since the war began in February last year, Vucic has tried to balance close ties with Moscow with his goal of joining the European Union.

But Serbia is the only holdout among Europe's 44 countries in imposing sanctions on Russia.

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Serbia, the only country in Europe that has refused to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, agreed to supply arms to Kyiv or has sent them already, according to a classified Pentagon document.

Serbia, the only country in Europe that has refused to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, agreed to supply arms to Kyiv or has sent them already, according to a classified Pentagon document. The document, a summary of European governments' responses to Ukraine's requests for military training and "lethal aid" or weapons, was among dozens of classified documents posted online in recent weeks in what could be the most serious leak of U.S. secrets in years. Entitled "Europe|Response to Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict," the document in chart form lists the "assessed positions" of 38 European governments in response to Ukraine's requests for military assistance. The chart showed that Serbia declined to provide training to Ukrainian forces, but had committed to sending lethal aid or had supplied it already. It also said Serbia had the political will and military ability to provide weapons to Ukraine in the future. The document is marked Secret and NOFORN, prohibiting its distribution to foreign intelligence services and militaries. It is dated March 2, and embossed with the seal of the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Reuters could not independently verify the document's authenticity. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's office and the Ukrainian embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Pentagon also did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about the document's reference to Serbia and has previously declined to comment on any of the leaked documents. Vucic's government has professed neutrality in the Ukraine war, despite the country's deep historic, economic and cultural ties with Russia. "If this document is accurate, it either shows Vucic's duplicity vis a vis Russia or he's under enormous pressure from Washington to deliver weapons to Ukraine," said Janusz Bugajski, an Eastern European expert with the Jamestown Foundation, a foreign policy institute. The Justice Department is investigating the leak, while the Pentagon is assessing the damage done to U.S. national security. The Pentagon chart divided the responses to Ukraine's requests for aid into four categories: countries that had committed to provide training and lethal aid; countries that had already provided training, lethal aid or both; countries with the military ability and the political will "to provide future lethal aid." Austria and Malta were the only two countries marked "No" in all four categories. The disclosure of the chart comes just over a month after documents posted in a pro-Russia channel on the Telegram global messaging app purportedly showed the shipment by a Serbian arms maker of 122mm Grad ground-to-ground rockets to Kyiv in November. The documents included a shipment manifest and a Ukrainian government end-user certificate. Moscow said in March it had asked Belgrade for an official explanation of the alleged deliveries, the state-run TASS news agency quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying. Arms manufacturer Krusik Corp. of Valjevo denied providing rockets or other weaponry to Ukraine. Vucic called the allegations "a notorious lie." "We didn't export any weapons or ammunition to Russia or Ukraine," he said during a March 5 visit to Qatar. Reuters could not independently confirm the authenticity of the shipment documentation posted on Telegram. Since the war began in February last year, Vucic has tried to balance close ties with Moscow with his goal of joining the European Union. But Serbia is the only holdout among Europe's 44 countries in imposing sanctions on Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Leaked US intel document claims Serbia agreed to arm Ukraine

An unusual occurrence of winter-like weather in spring is sweeping through the western Balkans, which woke up residents of Kosovo to a surprise snowfall. Hem Soraya brings you the report.

Springtime snow in Kosovo blankets Pristina | WION Climate Tracker

Kosovo prime minister Albin Kurti and Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic have arrived in North Macedonia for a fresh round of talks with EU officials on a deal to normalise ties between both nations while thousands of Serbians took to the streets in Belgrade to protest the deal that they fear shall officially recognise Kosovo's independence from Serbia.

Kosovan PM Kurti meets with Serbian president Vucic on West-back EU entry deal

In Global Round-Up by WION, we bring you news from around the world. In today's edition - Three-way naval exercise held with China, Iran in Arabian sea, Kosovo and Serbia fail to sign agreement after marathon talks, Search for survivors continues as several remain missing in Malawi floods.

Three-way naval exercise held with China, Iran in Arabian sea; Kosovo, Serbia fail to sign agreement

Serbia and Kosovo failed to sign a landmark agreement on European-backed deal after marathon rounds and negotiations. The deal aimed to normalise relations between the Balkan neighbours despite this the EU foreign policy Chief hailed the progress on resolving the decade-long dispute.

Serbia, Kosovo fail to sign agreement on normalising ties; both nations need to mend ties to join EU

Tons of plastic, rusted metal, dead animals, and even old furniture; were dumped by illegal tippers. In south-west Serbia, a mountain of waste has created a dam across a lake. Now, workers are using cranes and mechanical diggers to try to remove the environmental hazard. @mohammed11saleh brings you this report.

Illegal waste choking Serbian lake

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday said that the government's request to deploy around 1,000 army personnel and police to Kosovo after clashes between the authorities in Kosovo and Serbs was declined by NATO's mission in Kosovo, KFOR.&nbsp;

In 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia to protect Albanians after the 1998-1999 war during which rump-Yugoslavia, which included Montenegro and Serbia, was bombed by NATO.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-pm-kurti-submits-a-formal-application-to-join-european-union-543424">Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union</a> 
 
"They (KFOR) replied they consider that there is no need for the return of the Serbian army to Kosovo ... citing the United Nations resolution approving their mandate in Kosovo," said Serbian President Vucic during an interview with the private Pink television.&nbsp;

Serbia requests deployment of troops

Last month, after the war ended, Serbia for the first requested for deployment of military troops in Kosovo after the clashes broke out between Serbs and Kosovo authorities in the northern region, where the former constitute a majority.&nbsp;

The resolution of the UN Security Council resolution says that Serbia should be allowed, if KFOR approves, to deploy its military personnel at the Orthodox Christian religious sites, border crossings and areas where Serbs are present in the majority.&nbsp;

Vucic slammed KFOR for informing about its decision to the Serbian government on the eve of Orthodox Christmas after an off-duty soldier was arrested by Kosovo police for allegedly shooting and hurting two Serbs, who were aged 11 and 21, in the southern town of Shterpce.&nbsp;

Police said that the victims were admitted to the hospital and they did not suffer any life-threatening injuries. The incident was condemned by Kosovo authorities which further escalated tensions.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Kosovo accuses Serbia of supporting Serbs

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Thousands of Serbs protest peacefully in Shterpce&nbsp;

Thousands of Serbs gathered on Sunday to peacefully protest in Shterpce against what they termed as "violence against Serbs".&nbsp;

Head of the Serb List, Kosovo's main Serb party, Goran Rakic, alleged that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of making efforts to drive out Serbs.

"His goal is to create such conditions so that Serbs leave their homes. My message is that we must not surrender,” Rakic said.&nbsp;

As per the Serbian media report, another man was allegedly attacked by Albanians on Saturday. The media in Pristina claimed that a Kosovo bus going, that was travelling via Serbia to Germany, was attacked and rocks were used to break its windscreen on the same day.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday said that the government's request to deploy around 1,000 army personnel and police to Kosovo after clashes between the authorities in Kosovo and Serbs was declined by NATO's mission in Kosovo, KFOR.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday said that the government's request to deploy around 1,000 army personnel and police to Kosovo after clashes between the authorities in Kosovo and Serbs was declined by NATO's mission in Kosovo, KFOR. In 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia to protect Albanians after the 1998-1999 war during which rump-Yugoslavia, which included Montenegro and Serbia, was bombed by NATO. ALSO READ| Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union "They (KFOR) replied they consider that there is no need for the return of the Serbian army to Kosovo ... citing the United Nations resolution approving their mandate in Kosovo," said Serbian President Vucic during an interview with the private Pink television. Serbia requests deployment of troops Last month, after the war ended, Serbia for the first requested for deployment of military troops in Kosovo after the clashes broke out between Serbs and Kosovo authorities in the northern region, where the former constitute a majority. The resolution of the UN Security Council resolution says that Serbia should be allowed, if KFOR approves, to deploy its military personnel at the Orthodox Christian religious sites, border crossings and areas where Serbs are present in the majority. Vucic slammed KFOR for informing about its decision to the Serbian government on the eve of Orthodox Christmas after an off-duty soldier was arrested by Kosovo police for allegedly shooting and hurting two Serbs, who were aged 11 and 21, in the southern town of Shterpce. Police said that the victims were admitted to the hospital and they did not suffer any life-threatening injuries. The incident was condemned by Kosovo authorities which further escalated tensions. WATCH | Kosovo accuses Serbia of supporting Serbs Thousands of Serbs protest peacefully in Shterpce Thousands of Serbs gathered on Sunday to peacefully protest in Shterpce against what they termed as "violence against Serbs". Head of the Serb List, Kosovo's main Serb party, Goran Rakic, alleged that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of making efforts to drive out Serbs. "His goal is to create such conditions so that Serbs leave their homes. My message is that we must not surrender,” Rakic said. As per the Serbian media report, another man was allegedly attacked by Albanians on Saturday. The media in Pristina claimed that a Kosovo bus going, that was travelling via Serbia to Germany, was attacked and rocks were used to break its windscreen on the same day. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO refuses Serbian government’s request to send troops to Kosovo after clashes

The United States and the European Union have requested both Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions in the border region. Both the US and EU have reached out to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti in order to find a political solution.&nbsp;"The European Union and the United States of America are concerned about the continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo," the EU and the US said in a joint statement according to AFP.

"We call on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to unconditionally deescalate the situation, and to refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation," they added.

Kosovo has been experiencing massive tensions since November after several ethnic Serb workers walked away from their jobs as a mark of protest. They were protesting the decision to ban Serbs in Kosovo from using Belgrade-issued vehicle number plates – a decision that was later overturned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-funeral-homes-hospitals-overwhelmed-even-as-official-covid-figures-remain-low-547294">China funeral homes, hospitals overwhelmed while official Covid data stays low</a>

With the Serbs sealing off traffic on two border crossings, the authorities decided to completely close down the border. There were also a number of shooting incidents that targeted international peacekeepers as well as the police in Kosovo. Even the Serbian army has been put on high alert.

Both EU and US have urged the Kosovar authorities to not arrest any more ethnic Serbs in an attempt to control the ongoing crisis. The already arrested ones have already been charged.

"At the same time, rule of law must be respected, and any form of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," they further stated in the official statement.

"We also expect Kosovo and Serbia to return to fostering an environment conducive to reconciliation, regional stability, and cooperation for the benefit of their citizens," they said.

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The United States and the European Union have requested both Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions in the border region. Both the US and EU have reached out to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti in order to find a political solution.

The United States and the European Union have requested both Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions in the border region. Both the US and EU have reached out to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti in order to find a political solution. "The European Union and the United States of America are concerned about the continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo," the EU and the US said in a joint statement according to AFP. "We call on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to unconditionally deescalate the situation, and to refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation," they added. Kosovo has been experiencing massive tensions since November after several ethnic Serb workers walked away from their jobs as a mark of protest. They were protesting the decision to ban Serbs in Kosovo from using Belgrade-issued vehicle number plates – a decision that was later overturned. Also read | China funeral homes, hospitals overwhelmed while official Covid data stays low With the Serbs sealing off traffic on two border crossings, the authorities decided to completely close down the border. There were also a number of shooting incidents that targeted international peacekeepers as well as the police in Kosovo. Even the Serbian army has been put on high alert. Both EU and US have urged the Kosovar authorities to not arrest any more ethnic Serbs in an attempt to control the ongoing crisis. The already arrested ones have already been charged. "At the same time, rule of law must be respected, and any form of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," they further stated in the official statement. "We also expect Kosovo and Serbia to return to fostering an environment conducive to reconciliation, regional stability, and cooperation for the benefit of their citizens," they said.

US, EU urge immediate deescalation at Serbia-Kosovo border amid ongoing crisis

Kosovo and Serbia's main border crossing was opened on Thursday as the roadblocks were removed, said state-run TV as it announced a step towards easing tensions in the region.&nbsp;According to the report, trucks and cars were seen queued in front of the Serbian side's border point where the barricades were placed, as Kosovo police confirmed that they officially re-opened the crossing.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that the barricades will be removed after Brussels and Washington appealed for de-escalation of tensions.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-pm-kurti-submits-a-formal-application-to-join-european-union-543424">Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union</a>

"Barricades will be removed, but the mistrust remains," said Vucic as quoted by the state-run RTS television on Wednesday, while holding a meeting with representatives of Kosovo Serb.

Almost a dozen of protesters, who were present at a barricade in Rudare, expressed dissatisfaction over the decision of opening the border crossing.

"It makes no sense, we fought for rights that were not fulfilled, we feel cheated, abused," said one of the protesters.

"Why did we come to the barricades, if everything ended this way?," questioned the other protester.

WATCH|&nbsp;Tensions diffuse between Kosovo and Serbia with the removal of roadblocks

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On Wednesday, the Pristina court ordered that the former police officer, whose detention led to Serbs setting barricades, should be released from jail and placed under house arrest.

The main border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia was closed after trucks and tractors were used by the Serbian protesters to stop the traffic.

Since November, tensions have escalated in Northern Kosovo after ethnic Serb workers working as Kosovo's prosecutors, judges and police, walked away from their jobs.

The ethnic Serbs were protesting against the ban imposed on Serbs from using Belgrade-issued vehicle licence plates in Kosovo, a policy which Pristina eventually scrapped.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kosovo and Serbia's main border crossing was opened on Thursday as the roadblocks were removed, said state-run TV as it announced a step towards easing tensions in the region.

Kosovo and Serbia's main border crossing was opened on Thursday as the roadblocks were removed, said state-run TV as it announced a step towards easing tensions in the region. According to the report, trucks and cars were seen queued in front of the Serbian side's border point where the barricades were placed, as Kosovo police confirmed that they officially re-opened the crossing. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that the barricades will be removed after Brussels and Washington appealed for de-escalation of tensions. ALSO READ| Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union "Barricades will be removed, but the mistrust remains," said Vucic as quoted by the state-run RTS television on Wednesday, while holding a meeting with representatives of Kosovo Serb. Almost a dozen of protesters, who were present at a barricade in Rudare, expressed dissatisfaction over the decision of opening the border crossing. "It makes no sense, we fought for rights that were not fulfilled, we feel cheated, abused," said one of the protesters. "Why did we come to the barricades, if everything ended this way?," questioned the other protester. WATCH| Tensions diffuse between Kosovo and Serbia with the removal of roadblocks On Wednesday, the Pristina court ordered that the former police officer, whose detention led to Serbs setting barricades, should be released from jail and placed under house arrest. The main border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia was closed after trucks and tractors were used by the Serbian protesters to stop the traffic. Since November, tensions have escalated in Northern Kosovo after ethnic Serb workers working as Kosovo's prosecutors, judges and police, walked away from their jobs. The ethnic Serbs were protesting against the ban imposed on Serbs from using Belgrade-issued vehicle licence plates in Kosovo, a policy which Pristina eventually scrapped. (With inputs from agencies)

Serbs remove roadblock between Kosovo and Serbia border crossing as tensions ease

Kosovo’s Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla has claimed that Serbia is working afoot to destabilise the country by taking help from Russia.

He alleged that Serbia has been inciting the Serb minority in the north, who under Moscow’s influence, have been blocking roads and protesting for almost three weeks.

The tensions between the two countries are at an all-time high as Serbia said it had put its army on the highest combat alert.

"It is precisely Serbia, influenced by Russia, that has raised a state of military readiness and that is ordering the erection of new barricades, in order to justify and protect the criminal groups that terrorise... citizens of Serb ethnicity living in Kosovo," <a name="_Hlk123093815">Svecla</a> said in a statement.

For the past two weeks, the Serbs in northern Kosovo have been agitating against the arrest of a former Serb policeman who had allegedly assaulted serving police officers. They have blocked multiple roads in and around Mitrovica and also clashed with the police.

Responding to Svecla’s claims, Serbia refuted the charges that it is trying to destabilise its neighbour and said that it just wants to protect its minority there.

<h2>Tension flare up at Serbia-Kosovo border, troops deployed in the region</h2>

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“Serbia would continue to fight for peace and seek compromise solutions," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday, reports Reuters news agency.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 with the backing of the West, following a 1998-1999 war in which NATO intervened to protect ethnic Albanian citizens.

It is not a member of the United Nations and five EU states —Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus — have refused to recognise Kosovo's statehood.

Russia, Serbia's historical ally, is blocking Kosovo's membership in the United Nations.

According to an estimate, around 50,000 Serbs live in the northern part of Kosovo. They refuse to recognise the local Pristina state and see Belgrade as their capital.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kosovo’s Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla has claimed that Serbia is working afoot to destabilise the country by taking help from Russia. He alleged that Serbia has been inciting the Serb minority in the north, who under Moscow’s influence, have been blocking roads and protesting for almost three weeks.

Kosovo’s Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla has claimed that Serbia is working afoot to destabilise the country by taking help from Russia. He alleged that Serbia has been inciting the Serb minority in the north, who under Moscow’s influence, have been blocking roads and protesting for almost three weeks. The tensions between the two countries are at an all-time high as Serbia said it had put its army on the highest combat alert. "It is precisely Serbia, influenced by Russia, that has raised a state of military readiness and that is ordering the erection of new barricades, in order to justify and protect the criminal groups that terrorise... citizens of Serb ethnicity living in Kosovo," Svecla said in a statement. For the past two weeks, the Serbs in northern Kosovo have been agitating against the arrest of a former Serb policeman who had allegedly assaulted serving police officers. They have blocked multiple roads in and around Mitrovica and also clashed with the police. Responding to Svecla’s claims, Serbia refuted the charges that it is trying to destabilise its neighbour and said that it just wants to protect its minority there. Tension flare up at Serbia-Kosovo border, troops deployed in the region “Serbia would continue to fight for peace and seek compromise solutions," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday, reports Reuters news agency. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 with the backing of the West, following a 1998-1999 war in which NATO intervened to protect ethnic Albanian citizens. It is not a member of the United Nations and five EU states —Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus — have refused to recognise Kosovo's statehood. Russia, Serbia's historical ally, is blocking Kosovo's membership in the United Nations. According to an estimate, around 50,000 Serbs live in the northern part of Kosovo. They refuse to recognise the local Pristina state and see Belgrade as their capital. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Serbia acting under the influence of Russia, claims Kosovo’s interior minister as tensions reach all-time high

Kosovo has alleged that Serbia is aiming to destabilise the country under the influence of Russia. This comes after the tensions flared up on the Serbia Kosovo border, after which the Serbian President ordered the troops in the region to 'full combat readiness'.

Serbia orders troops to be in 'full readiness'; Kosovan minister says, 'Russia influencing Serbia'

Kosovo accuses Serbia of supporting serbs

A train derailment in southeastern Serbia has caused an ammonia leak, poisoning 51 people. The accident took place in the city of Pirot on Sunday. Watch further to know more.

Tension flare up at Serbia-Kosovo border, troops deployed in the region

The Government of Serbia has decided to end visa-free travel for Indians. From January 1, 2023, Indian passport holders will no longer be able to enter Serbia without a visa. The latest decision has been taken by the central European nation keeping in mind the requirements of European Union visa policy.

“The existing arrangement of visa-free entry into Serbia for all Indian passport holders for staying in Serbia up to 30 days has been withdrawn by the Government of Serbia,” said the government in a statement.

Previously, Indian passport holders were able to enter the country without visa. Indians could live visa-free for a period of 30 days in a year. But this facility will be withdrawn in the new year.

The Indian embassy in Serbian capital Belgrade has issued a travel advisory for Indians. The embassy has asked holders of ordinary Indian passports to obtain visa from Serbian Embassy in Belgrade prior to travel to the country after January 1.

Indians who currently hold a valid UK, US or Schengen visa would still be able to enter Serbia visa-free for a period of 90 days.

In addition to Indians, Serbia has terminated visa-free travel facility to citizens of Guinea-Bissau, Tunisia and Burundi. For these countries, however, the facility has been withdrawn from November 20.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The Government of Serbia has decided to end visa-free travel for Indians. From January 1, 2023, Indian passport holders will no longer be able to enter Serbia without a visa.

The Government of Serbia has decided to end visa-free travel for Indians. From January 1, 2023, Indian passport holders will no longer be able to enter Serbia without a visa. The latest decision has been taken by the central European nation keeping in mind the requirements of European Union visa policy. “The existing arrangement of visa-free entry into Serbia for all Indian passport holders for staying in Serbia up to 30 days has been withdrawn by the Government of Serbia,” said the government in a statement. Previously, Indian passport holders were able to enter the country without visa. Indians could live visa-free for a period of 30 days in a year. But this facility will be withdrawn in the new year. The Indian embassy in Serbian capital Belgrade has issued a travel advisory for Indians. The embassy has asked holders of ordinary Indian passports to obtain visa from Serbian Embassy in Belgrade prior to travel to the country after January 1. Indians who currently hold a valid UK, US or Schengen visa would still be able to enter Serbia visa-free for a period of 90 days. In addition to Indians, Serbia has terminated visa-free travel facility to citizens of Guinea-Bissau, Tunisia and Burundi. For these countries, however, the facility has been withdrawn from November 20. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Indians will no longer be able to travel visa-free to this country

A train derailment in southeastern Serbia has caused an ammonia leak, poisoning 51 people. The accident took place in the city of Pirot on Sunday. According to city Mayor Vladan Vasic, out of the 51 people poisoned, seven have been admitted to the hospital.

A train derailment in southeastern Serbia has caused an ammonia leak, poisoning 51 people. The accident took place in the city of Pirot on Sunday. According to city Mayor Vladan Vasic, out of the 51 people poisoned, seven have been admitted to the hospital. "Seven people were taken to (hospital) in Nis," said Vasic. After the leak, an emergency was called in the affected part of the city with a population of 60,000. The residents have been urged to remain inside their homes. The derailment in the cold, dark conditions coupled with the limited visibility caused by the leak led to several cars crashing into each other on the highway. Read more: 'The blizzard of 2022': US winter storm kills 31; Buffalo, battles crisis situation, is 'like a warzone' The authorities informed the main international highway has been closed which leads to Bulgaria. It was packed due to commuters out for the Christmas holidays. Consequently, the police were forced to divert the highway traffic through the city's local roads, causing a nuisance to the locals who were already on the edge. The cause of the leak is not yet known. The investigation party has been dispatched to probe the case. Ammonia leaks are extremely hazardous. Those inhaling the fumes are at serious health risk as it can turn fatal in several cases if medical help is not provided in due time. Ammonia, upon contact with moisture present in the skin, eyes, oral cavity, and respiratory tract forms ammonium hydroxide. The cell membrane lipids are immediately damaged which triggers cellular destruction. In 2020, two persons died while several were injured when a major ammonia gas leakage took place in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. The Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) unit at Prayagraj was the ground zero for the leakage (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 50 suffer ammonia poisoning after a train derails in Serbia

Train carrying Ammonia derails in Serbia, dozen hopitalised in suspect of poisoning

Serbia deploys army chief near Kosovo border

Tensions between the ethnic Serbs and Kosovo and authorities have flared up again as the Serbs continue to amplify their demonstrations to protest the arrest of a former Kosovo sub-police officer.

Serbia demands return of its security forces; tensions flare between Serbs and Kosovo

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti formally applied for Kosovo to become a part of the European Union on Thursday, initiating a bid which could take years to accomplish and depends on the nation normalising its relations with Serbia.&nbsp;The application was presented by PM Kurti to the Czech Republic, which is currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU.

"We want no back door, no fast-track. We want to build the EU in our country with our people," said Kosovo’s prime minister after the application was handed over to Czech European Affairs Minister Mikulas Bek.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-and-serbia-agree-to-end-car-number-plate-policy-537057">Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates</a>

From its region, Kosovo is the only country which has till now not applied for joining the EU. Although the 27-nation EU is reluctant to further expansion, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia made them work towards improvising its relations with six Balkan countries - North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia.

"We firmly believe that a European future is the only way to solve a number of problems in the region, whether economic, social or ethnic," said Minister Bek.

In 2008, Kosovo, an Albanian-majority nation, declared independence from Serbia with the support of the West after the 1998-1999 war in which NATO’s intervention took place to protect the territory.

WATCH|&nbsp;U.S. Balkan envoy meets Kosovo PM Kurti after Serbs block roads

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Kosovo is not one of the members of the United Nations and its statehood has not been recognised by Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, Spain and Romania. Around 110 countries recognise its independence but not Russia, China or Serbia, among others.

Before joining the EU, Kosovo needs to work on normalising its relations with Serbia. The bloc has been working on a deal on which it hopes both countries will agree in a year. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti formally applied for Kosovo to become a part of the European Union on Thursday, initiating a bid which could take years to accomplish and depends on the nation normalising its relations with Serbia.

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti formally applied for Kosovo to become a part of the European Union on Thursday, initiating a bid which could take years to accomplish and depends on the nation normalising its relations with Serbia. The application was presented by PM Kurti to the Czech Republic, which is currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU. "We want no back door, no fast-track. We want to build the EU in our country with our people," said Kosovo’s prime minister after the application was handed over to Czech European Affairs Minister Mikulas Bek. ALSO READ| Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates From its region, Kosovo is the only country which has till now not applied for joining the EU. Although the 27-nation EU is reluctant to further expansion, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia made them work towards improvising its relations with six Balkan countries - North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia. "We firmly believe that a European future is the only way to solve a number of problems in the region, whether economic, social or ethnic," said Minister Bek. In 2008, Kosovo, an Albanian-majority nation, declared independence from Serbia with the support of the West after the 1998-1999 war in which NATO’s intervention took place to protect the territory. WATCH| U.S. Balkan envoy meets Kosovo PM Kurti after Serbs block roads Kosovo is not one of the members of the United Nations and its statehood has not been recognised by Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, Spain and Romania. Around 110 countries recognise its independence but not Russia, China or Serbia, among others. Before joining the EU, Kosovo needs to work on normalising its relations with Serbia. The bloc has been working on a deal on which it hopes both countries will agree in a year. (With inputs from agencies)

Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union

The U.S. Balkan envoy met Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The meeting happened after Serbs blocked roads to protest in the north. The U.S. And EU have called on both sides to defuse the tensions.

U.S. Balkan envoy meets Kosovo PM Kurti after Serbs block roads

Around a thousand Serbian nationalists demonstrated in Belgrade to support of the Serbs. The nationalists blocked roads in the northern region. Protesters waved flags, blending the Russian and Serbian flags.

Serbian nationalists protest in Belgrade in support of Kosovo Serbs

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