Tensions flared again in northern Kosovo following the arrest of a key figure in Serb protests. Kosovo's Interior Minister, Xhelal Svecla, announced the apprehension of Milun Milenkovic-Llune in Mitrovica, identifying him as a leader within the Civil Protection organization. Svecla's ministry accuses the group of perpetrating criminal acts and intimidating citizens. The arrest triggered a swift reaction, with a group of Serbs confronting police in Mitrovica. Serbian officials condemned the arrest, describing Milenkovic-Llune as a defender of Serbian interests and rights, and criticizing the heavy police presence during the operation.

This incident follows earlier clashes in May between ethnic Serbs, Kosovo police, and NATO peacekeepers in Zvecan, resulting in numerous injuries on both sides. NATO subsequently reinforced its peacekeeping contingent in the region. The underlying cause of the unrest stems from disputed local elections, which saw ethnic Albanian candidates declared winners despite a widespread Serb boycott. Attempts by these candidates to assume office sparked blockades and protests from the Serb community.

The European Union has called for de-escalation, urging Kosovo to withdraw specialized police units from the Serb-majority north and to rerun the contested elections. Kosovo's Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, responded by offering to reduce police presence and hold new elections, but conditioned these actions on the removal or prosecution of alleged Serb-led criminal groups. The ongoing dispute between Kosovo and Serbia, rooted in Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence, continues to simmer. The recent unrest raises concerns of a resurgence of the conflict that ravaged the region in the late 1990s. While an EU-brokered agreement aimed at normalizing relations exists, its implementation remains a challenge, with discussions facilitated by US and EU representatives ongoing. Kurti has expressed willingness to engage in further dialogue with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.