The Russian Government has expressed its intention to avail of every possible opportunity to block a United Nations acceptance of the imminent independence of Kosovo. The head of Russia’s international affairs committee said the blocking of Kosovo’s admission as an independent state is a political stance.

The developing relations of Russia with other self proclaimed republics may be affected by the declaration of independence. The Council of Europe was also being dissuaded from supporting Kosovo’s move which is seen as inappropriate. With the re-election of pro-European president Boris Tadic, it is seen as a signal for the imminent declaration of independence by Kosovo.