Russia has made it's position on the Kosovo issue quite clear, to put it lightly. Russia considers Kosovo to be an integral part of Serbia's territory. Furthermore, Russia considers any "declaration of independence" by Kosovo, as simply illegal. To fully grasp the situation, and why Russia is fervently against Kosovo's independence from Serbia, we must think back to 1999. During that time, the ethnic-Albanian population of Kosovo was revolting against Serbia, essentially fighting for their independence. The ethnic-Albanian separatist found strong allies, in the United States and NATO. Of course, the United States and NATO were simply asserting themselves in the region, by aiding the ethnic-Albanian separatists in their quest for independence.

During this tumultuous time, the Russian Federation was still in dire straights, as the Russian economy was in ruin, and the majority of people in Russia were waiting in bread lines, for food. Basically, the United States and NATO took advantage of the situation in Russia, as it was still weak, after the collapse of the Soviet-Union. It was the perfect opportunity for the West to infiltrate the East. After NATO bombed the capital of Serbia (Belgrade), and effectively severed Kosovo from Serbia, it was not long before the United States was building one of the largest American military bases on foreign soil, since the Vietnam War. This base is called Camp Bondsteel.

Camp Bondsteel was pitched as a necessary facility, to help protect the region, and maintain strong military security for Kosovo. Of course, there are also some speculations that Camp Bondsteel was constructed for the purpose of securing oil interests, namely a Trans-Balkan pipeline, bringing oil from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean. There is no disputing America's insatiable thirst for oil.

Now, here we are in present day. Russia is reasserting itself, as a global player. The main source of Russia's growing power is its control over natural resources such as natural gas and oil. Russia now has it's own plans for a Trans-Balkan pipeline. Russia also considers the United States and NATO forces, to be too close for comfort, as they close in on Russia's borders. Dominance over oil fields in the region, still remain paramount. Kosovo is simply a pawn in the game.

Serbia has historically looked to Russia, for aid and security. There is also little doubt that Russia genuinely wants to gain allies within the former Soviet territories, for the sake

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