Zelensky’s Statement on Kosovo Sparks Criticism in Ukraine, Hudymenko: A Blow Against a Friendly State

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s confirmation during his visit to Belgrade that Kyiv continues not to recognize Kosovo’s independence has triggered strong reactions within Ukraine as well. Yuriy Hudymenko, a politician, war veteran and co-founder of the “Democratic Axe” movement, described the position as a “dishonorable and shameful” decision.

In a public response shared on social media, Hudymenko expressed regret over the Ukrainian president’s statement, while recalling the support Kosovo has provided to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s aggression.

According to him, before traveling to Serbia, Zelensky had to choose between an “easy but immoral” path and another that was “difficult but right.” Hudymenko said that, as a citizen, he considers the choice made to be disgusting and shameful. He stressed that Kosovo, despite not having its own army, has done a great deal for Ukrainians, military personnel and rescue teams. The Ukrainian politician also mentioned communication and assistance between Kosovo and Ukrainian veterans, as well as the support Kosovo’s citizens have offered to refugees and displaced people.

Hudymenko’s criticism was directed at Ukraine’s leadership, which he accused of disregarding this support for the sake of closer ties with official Belgrade.

He said that, because of the president, Ukraine had “spat in the face” of the people of Kosovo by presenting the country as part of Serbia, which he called “Russia’s little brother.” Hudymenko acknowledged that there might be something important that had not been made public, but added that, regardless, a slap could have been avoided against a small but friendly country that had helped Ukraine in every way it could.

At the end of his response, the Ukrainian politician addressed the people of Kosovo, emphasizing that the president’s statements do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire Ukrainian people.

Hudymenko expressed hope that his friends in Kosovo understand that the words of the head of state do not always represent the opinion of the entire country, and concluded his response with the words: “A disgusting feeling.”

The new diplomatic situation followed Zelensky’s statement in Serbia, where he confirmed that Ukraine was not changing its position on Serbia’s sovereignty. The Ukrainian president linked the issue to respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, including the Crimean Peninsula.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s position on Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence remained unchanged.

His position also prompted immediate reactions in Kosovo. As a form of administrative and political protest, Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama ordered the removal from public spaces in the capital of a banner bearing the words “Free Ukraine.”

Rama clarified that citizens’ solidarity with and support for the Ukrainian people remained unchanged, but stressed that all international partners must respect Kosovo’s statehood.

According to him, the state of Kosovo must be treated with respect and, whenever this does not happen, Pristina, as the capital, responds in the same way. Rama said that empathy and solidarity would continue to stand with peoples facing war, violence and persecution, because Kosovo knows better than many others what war for freedom, dignity and the right to exist as a state means. However, he stressed that no cause or policy can be built on contempt for Kosovo’s statehood and the sacrifices of its people.