Kosovo on Sunday declared its independence from Serbia in a move that provoked violent reactions from its ethnic Serb minority and from demonstrators in Serbia – and fuelled a growing dispute between the west and Russia.

The move by Kosovo’s parliamentary assembly was met with joy by its ethnic Albanian majority, which has sought independence since the territory came under United Nations administration in 1999.

But in the ethnically divided northern town of Mitrovica, three hand grenades were thrown at UN and European Union buildings, while, in Belgrade 200 protesters surrounded the US embassy and threw stones and fireworks before being dispersed by police.

Western states on Sunday said the UN Security Council had reached the end of the road in trying to secure agreement on Kosovo’s status, although the 15-nation body would hold an open session on the issue today at Russia’s request.

“We regret the security council cannot agree on the way forward but this impasse has been clear for many months and is not going to change,” said Johan Verbeke, Belgian envoy to the UN, in a statement on behalf of five EU members, Croatia and the US. He was speaking after the council met to hear Russia’s opposition to the declaration.

Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary-general, resisted an appeal by Russia and Serbia to declare the move illegal. Mr Ban said the administration, UNMIK, would continue to regard resolution 1244 as the legal framework and noted that the declaration pledged continued adherence to the resolution.

There was no immediate move from the US or leading EU states, which have indicated that they would back Kosovo’s independence.

Hashim Thaci, the Kosovo prime minister, said: “From this moment on, Kosovo is proud, independent and free.”

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Timeline

1389 Ottoman Turks defeat Serb-led Christian army on Kosovo field, etching it into national mythology.

1690 Serbs flee from Ottoman-ruled Kosovo after a failed rebellion encouraged by the rival Austrian empire.

1912 Serbia takes Kosovo from Ottomans on the eve of the first world war.

1974 Yugoslav communist leader Josip Broz Tito gives Kosovo autonomy, yet also confirms its attachment to Serbia.

1980-81 After Tito’s death, Kosovo Albanians demand more rights.

1989 On the 600th anniversary of the epic battle, Slobodan Milosevic promises to defend Kosovo’s Serb minority

1998 Ethnic Albanian guerrilla attacks prompt brutal Serb police reprisals.

1999 Under Nato air bombardment, Milosevic withdraws from Kosovo, leaving it under UN rule.

Mar 2004 Ethnic Albanian riots destroy Serb churches and property.

Jan 2006 UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari opens talks on Kosovo’s future.

Feb 2007 Ahtisaari unveils proposal recommending independence for Kosovo.

Aug 2007 Russia stops the UN Security Council from adopting the Ahtisaari plan, leading to four more months of fruitless talks.

Feb 16 2008 The European Union approves a rule-of-law mission in Kosovo without explicitly supporting independence.

Feb 17 2008 Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian-dominated parliament declares independence.