Kosovo Police Killed in Shootout with Serb Gunmen; Russia Warns of Rising Tensions

Kosovo police engaged in shootout with ethnic Serb gunmen who stormed a village and barricaded themselves in a monastery. 3 attackers and 1 officer killed.
Russia does not recognize Kosovo's independence, supports Serbia, concerned about tense situation.
Kosovo has majority ethnic Albanian population after 1990s conflict with Serbia. 50,000 Serbs in north reject Kosovo independence.
Russia blames Kosovo PM Kurti for escalating conflict to pressure Serbs to recognize independence.
Serbia and Russia have close religious and cultural ties. Russia monitoring situation it sees as dangerous.

reuters.com

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