Balkan Insight reports that Russian analysts have dismissed suggestions that Moscow might recognise Kosovo's independence as a wider deal with the US, saying Russia would never betray its ally Serbia. “Andrey Sushentsov, a programme director at the Valdai Club - whose members meet Russian officials each autumn – told Sputnik news agency that Russia should not be expected to endanger relations with old allies like Serbia in order to improve its relationship with the US.

Sushentsov was reflecting on media reports that Moscow could recognise Kosovo's independence as part of a wider rapprochement with Washington under Donald Trump.

“I think there are no grounds for opening a discussion on the recognition of Kosovo. The issue of Kosovo in the Balkans cannot be brought into connection with Russia-US relations,” Sushentsov told Sputnik on January 24.”

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