Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister has accused the United States of inciting instability in Europe by backing Kosovo's independence.

"The US is putting Europe in a very difficult position by supporting Kosovo, it is far away and is not facing any risks, but Europe could go ablaze", First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday in a campaign speech in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod.

Medvedev who is likely to become Russia's next president also said that Kosovo's independence has "jeopardized security and stability of the whole region.''

Russia backs its ally Serbia in opposing Kosovo's independence and has warned Western states that recognizing Kosovo could set off a chain reaction of separatist unrest throughout Europe.

Medvedev, a 42-year-old former lawyer, who is one of the major candidates in Sunday's presidential vote, has joined President Vladimir Putin in criticizing the West over Kosovo.

HE/MMN