Christopher Hill, the former U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, has made clear that the United States is unlikely to intervene in Balkan disputes, including the ongoing tensions between Belgrade and Pristina, as it has done in the past.

He emphasized that Pristina must continue working towards the establishment of the Community of Serbian Municipalities (ZSO), while Belgrade has its own responsibilities to fulfill.

Hill remarked that the current focus is not on mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia but rather on the normalization of relations, identifying a substantial proposal brought forth by the European Union in Ohrid that warrants attention.

In an interview, Hill articulated a cautious approach toward the involvement of major powers, stating, "We are not interested in choosing between countries.

We would like the situation to stabilize.

We believe the EU's approach has been correct, and we would like to see that pursued."

He indicated that the U.S. intends to convey to nations in the Balkans the importance of independently resolving their issues, referencing a growing fatigue among international stakeholders regarding regional grievances.

"People are somewhat tired of countries coming to us or to some Western European nation to complain about their neighbors," he said, highlighting that global circumstances have shifted since the 1990s.

Moreover, Hill pointed out that the primary concern for Europe presently is the situation in Ukraine and the collective efforts to address it.

He articulated a shift in attitudes toward regional relations, noting that reliance on international support to resolve disputes appears to be waning.

"The notion that one Balkan country can come to us and lament about another is over; people expect to see cooperation patterns emerging in the region, not just complaints to favored international community members."

Hill clarified that while the Balkan region remains significant, he views it as an incomplete task within Europe, mentioning the various global crises that demand attention.

He articulated the need for Balkan nations to address their internal issues without assuming others will alleviate their challenges.

When questioned about U.S. involvement in facilitating dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Hill reiterated the position that Europeans must take the lead in resolving these matters.

He acknowledged the presence of a U.S. special envoy for years but suggested expectations of lesser American engagement in the current environment than in the past.

"The idea that the U.S. will be absolutely engaged on the ground every day in the Balkans will indeed be very different," he remarked, outlining that American business interests would still be relevant alongside some diplomatic activities, although substantial intervention in resolving disputes is not anticipated.

"People will have to solve their issues themselves," he concluded.

Discussing the Ohrid Agreement, Hill deemed it to be a fair and meticulously crafted agreement developed with the assistance of the former EU special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak.

He expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in reaching an accord on the ZSO, which he attributes to issues perceived as more propagandistic than substantive.

He emphasized the importance of implementing the agreement fully.

Addressing the recent visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to Moscow, Hill noted that Vučić had also recently been in Ukraine, indicating that there were various reasons for this visit, although he downplayed concerns regarding it.

"I regret that it happened after I left.

I was in Belgrade until January.

But again, I don’t think that’s what we should be worried about.

What we should be concerned about is who helps Ukraine and who does not."

Hill affirmed that while he worked to address U.S. interests in Serbia, these interests do not solely revolve around Kosovo.

He acknowledged Serbia's cooperation regarding Ukraine, expressing a desire for that to continue without implying opposition to Kosovo.

He reinforced the position that major powers should not choose sides between nations, reiterating U.S. interests in stabilizing the situation in the region and supporting the EU's diplomatic framework.