On May 27, RIA news agency quoted the Russian Defense Ministry's announcement that its forces had intercepted two Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles supplied by the UK to Ukraine.
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| Russia claims to have intercepted a HIMARS missile in Ukraine. (Illustration photo - Source: Wall Street Journal) |
According to the ministry, in the past 24 hours, Russian forces have intercepted shorter-range HARM missiles and US-made HIMARS missiles as well as 19 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
In another development related to Russia, on the same day, May 27, the country blamed Kosovo, the United States and the European Union (EU) for the escalating tensions in the Balkan region.
At the same time, Moscow said it was watching the situation with concern after an outbreak of violence between Kosovo police and protesters against ethnic Albanian mayors.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: "We resolutely condemn Pristina's actions, which escalate the situation and directly threaten the security of the entire Balkan region. The responsibility lies entirely with the United States and the EU."
Also on May 27, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) urged Kosovo to reduce tensions with Serbia, a day after Kosovo authorities used force to approach administrative buildings in the ethnic Serb region in the north of the territory, to support newly elected ethnic Albanian mayors to get to work.
Clashes broke out on May 26 between Kosovo police and protesters against ethnic Albanian mayors, prompting Serbia to put its army on full combat alert and move units closer to border areas.
On Twitter, NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said: "We urge Kosovo institutions to immediately de-escalate tensions; call on all parties to resolve the situation through dialogue."
Earlier, on May 26, the US and its allies also criticized Kosovo, saying that the use of force to bring mayors into ethnic Serb areas harmed efforts to improve relations with Serbia.
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