Russia calls new Kosovo constitution illegal

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia on Monday called Kosovo's new constitution a breach of international law which would only inflame tension in the region.

In a statement that set Moscow apart from Pristina's Western allies, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the move "will destroy the norms of international law and ... aggravate the tense situation in Kosovo."

Kosovo's first constitution as an independent state came into force on Sunday.

Russia is a long-time Serbian ally and used its veto in the United Nations Security Council to try to block Kosovo's independence which has the backing of the United States and European powers.

(Writing by James Kilner; Editing by Richard Balmforth)