Albania Responds to Zelensky on Kosovo: Comparison with Ukraine Is Misguided

Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has responded to a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who confirmed during his visit to Belgrade that Ukraine continues not to recognize Kosovo’s independence.

In its statement, official Tirana also reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for Kosovo’s sovereignty and independence.

According to the Foreign Ministry, any comparison between Kosovo and developments in Ukraine is misplaced, opportunistic and creates a deeply misleading perception.

The Albanian institution emphasized that Kosovo’s case is based on unique historical, political and legal circumstances.

In making its case, Albania cited the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which concluded in 2010 that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not constitute a violation of international law.

By contrast, the Albanian Foreign Ministry described Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as an entirely different matter and a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said that building a peaceful, stable and European Western Balkans requires accepting the reality and irreversible nature of Kosovo’s independence.

The statement stressed that Kosovo’s statehood has contributed to stability in the region and forms part of a future in which borders are not changed through force, while peoples and communities have the opportunity to determine their own path in conditions of peace and security.

Albania also noted that Kosovo and Serbia share the same European perspective. According to Albania, the normalization of bilateral relations should culminate in mutual recognition, a development that would benefit both countries and the entire region.

Official Tirana argued that such an agreement would not weaken Serbia. On the contrary, mutual recognition would make it possible to close one of the most painful chapters in the region’s recent history, creating the conditions for genuine reconciliation, good-neighborly relations and lasting peace.