Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement that Ukraine still does not recognize Kosovo’s independence has sparked reactions in Pristina. Discontent peaked with the removal of the “Freedom for Ukraine” flag, which had been displayed on the Hotel Grand building in central Pristina since the beginning of Russia’s aggression. Kosovo’s reaction was linked to the opposition Pristina has expressed to Russia’s invasion and the support it has provided to Ukraine during the war.
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The Ukrainian Embassy in Albania has responded to the latest developments in relations between Pristina and Kyiv.
The Ukrainian diplomatic mission clarified that Zelenskyy’s statement during his visit to Belgrade did not represent a change in Kyiv’s policy toward Kosovo. According to the embassy, the Ukrainian president was merely responding to a Serbian journalist’s question about the recognition of Kosovo.
“The Embassy of Ukraine wishes to emphasize that during his recent visit to Serbia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not declare any change in Ukraine’s position toward Kosovo. He simply responded to a journalist’s question about whether Ukraine supports or opposes the recognition of Kosovo. The President’s answer was fully consistent with Ukraine’s unchanged position on this issue,” the Embassy of Ukraine in Tirana said in an exclusive response to the media.
The embassy stressed that Kyiv’s non-recognition of Kosovo should in no way be seen as a lack of appreciation for Pristina’s solidarity or for the support Kosovo has provided for international measures against Russia.
“Ukraine deeply appreciates the solidarity and assistance that the people and institutions of Kosovo have offered Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression. We are sincerely grateful for Kosovo’s support for Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens. We also value Kosovo’s alignment with international sanctions against Russia, as well as its continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Nevertheless, Ukraine’s position on Kosovo’s status remains unchanged, and this should not be interpreted as an underestimation of the solidarity shown by the people of Kosovo,” the embassy said.
Regarding a possible review of its position on Kosovo’s independence, the Embassy of Ukraine in Tirana said that such a decision would fall to Ukraine’s central authorities. According to the embassy, the process would be based on the national interest, the Constitution, Ukrainian legislation, international law and developments on the international stage.
“Any decision on Ukraine’s foreign policy, including the possibility of reconsidering this position, is taken by the relevant state authorities in accordance with Ukraine’s national interests, its Constitution and legislation, as well as international law, taking into account relevant international developments,” the Embassy of Ukraine in Tirana clarified.
The embassy emphasized that Ukraine would return to the issue of Kosovo after Russia’s aggression ends and the country emerges from the war.
“As has been made clear, Ukraine’s position on the political recognition of Kosovo has not changed. The issue has neither been closed nor removed from the agenda of Ukraine’s foreign policy. However, Ukraine will be able to return to this and other important international issues after emerging from the flames of the terrible war imposed by Russia. At present, the absolute priority is the protection of the people, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as ending this devastating war,” the diplomatic mission stated.
Ukrainian diplomats added that they could not give priority to this issue, as Russia has been waging its terrible war for more than four years.
“We are convinced that the people of Kosovo understand this situation particularly well, given their tragic experience of war, suffering and loss of human life,” the embassy said in its response.
The embassy also recalled several measures taken concerning the citizens of Kosovo, particularly the acceptance of Kosovo passports.
“Since March 25, 2019, Ukraine has accepted ordinary civilian passports issued by Kosovo for visa procedures. This mechanism was established to facilitate and normalize travel to Ukraine for residents of Kosovo, primarily for humanitarian reasons, without constituting de jure recognition of Kosovo by Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly clarified that such consular measures do not imply recognition of Kosovo’s international legal personality,” the Embassy of Ukraine in Tirana concluded.
At the beginning of August, following his visit to Serbia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during a press conference that Kyiv’s policy of not recognizing Kosovo’s independence had not changed.
“We respect the territorial integrity of our partners and international law. As far as Kosovo is concerned, our position remains unchanged. We are grateful to Serbia for respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, including Crimea,” Zelensky said.
