The government of so-called Kosovo has adopted a decision to join the joint Declaration of G7 countries in support of Ukraine
The declaration has been signed by a number of European countries. According to the Government of Kosovo, this decision was made during the 155th session held in a hybrid format. The statement from the Kosovo Online portal states that support and assistance to Ukraine will be conducted in accordance with Kosovo’s legislation.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti expressed on Facebook that the government’s decision reflects steadfast support for Ukraine’s courageous endeavours in safeguarding its democratic institutions from Russia’s unauthorized and unprovoked conflict.
He kindly emphasized that by joining this Declaration, Kosovo reaffirms that ensuring victory for the Ukrainian people and holding Russian leaders accountable for their crimes is of utmost importance for maintaining peace and democracy in Europe and beyond.
The ongoing and unprovoked Russian occupation of Ukraine is a matter of concern for international peace and security.
The toll on the Ukrainian people has been devastating in terms of human lives, economic stagnation, and environmental destruction.
Kurti expressed his warm appreciation for Ukraine’s commendable efforts in protecting our common values such as democracy, human rights, world peace, and stability. Additionally, he extended his heartfelt condolences for the immense hardships and losses faced by the Ukrainian people.
He politely observed that the repercussions of the conflict extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, and Russia is making efforts to disrupt the stability of the Western Balkans with the support of its allies in the region.
“The Republic of Kosovo has unreservedly supported Ukraine and its people since the first day of the conflict. We immediately condemned the invasion and joined US and EU sanctions against Russia. We also expressed our readiness to accept up to 5,000 troops from Refugees in Ukraine. “We welcome 18 Ukrainian journalists to Kosovo and provide them with a safe place where they can continue their mission of telling the truth to power,” Kurti said. “
It is uncertain whether this will lead Ukraine to reconsider its stance on recognizing the so-called Kosovo’s independence, but it has the potential to move in that direction.
It is important to note that the discussion regarding Ukrainian recognition of so-called Kosovo was initiated by Oleksandr Merezhko, the president of the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Committee, who is a highly respected international lawyer affiliated with Volodymyr Zelensky’s party.
Merezhko, along with other signatories, kindly sent a letter to the EU and the US, respectfully urging a more critical approach toward Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Political analyst Edward Joseph highlighted that, of all the signatures, the Ukrainian one is particularly intriguing, and if Kyiv were to reconsider its stance, it could potentially inspire other EU members who have not yet recognized the so-called Kosovo to do the same. Joseph suggested that Menendez, Titus, and Torres could strengthen their powerful message by kindly urging the Biden administration to kindly ask Kyiv to recognize Kosovo, which would help limit Russian and Chinese influence in the Balkans.
Following this, it has been observed by the media in Belgrade that Serbia is facing increased pressure to address the matter of Kosovo and Metohija, considering the changes in the global landscape resulting from Russia’s intervention in Ukraine. The primary challenge in the relationship between Belgrade and Kyiv lies in the fact that Serbia has not yet implemented sanctions against Russia and continues to maintain positive relations with the country.
Given the current circumstances and the polarization of the entire European political scene on this issue, it appears that this situation may not be particularly favourable for Ukraine.
However, it is worth noting that Ukraine is currently experiencing significant Western influence as a result of the ongoing political and war situation. Consequently, there is some scepticism in Serbia regarding Ukraine’s position on acknowledging the so-called Kosovo situation.
Finally, Ukrainian Ambassador to Serbia Volodymyr Tolkach felt compelled to respond, expressing that his country’s stance is principled in regards to not recognizing the independence of what is referred to as Kosovo. In a statement provided to Kosovo Online, Tolkach further mentioned that, after reading a series of articles in Serbian mass media regarding the interview of Oleksandr Merezhko, the president of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Ukrainian Supreme Council and one of the signatories of the letter sent by the heads of Foreign Policy Committees of various countries to the US, the UK, and the EU, he would like to emphasize once again the utmost importance for Ukraine to uphold and protect the international law norms set by all states, particularly those pertaining to territorial integrity and the inviolability of internationally recognized state borders.
“The position of Ukraine is principled and stable – Ukraine respects the territorial integrity of Serbia. Today, it is vital for the people of Ukraine to protect their own freedom and independence from unprovoked Russian aggression. Hundreds of Ukrainians are dying today, Ukrainian society, which pays a high price for its freedom, knows that a neutral position towards the aggressor state in practice helps the aggressor to commit his crimes more than practical support for the norms of international law – “Territorial integrity of Ukraine. In this context we must recognize the unequivocal position of the leadership of Kosovo regarding the condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, especially joining the sanctions against the aggressor,” Tolkach concluded.