Zelensky quarreled with Kosovo for the sake of dialogue with Serbia. What you need to know

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed his support for Serbia's territorial integrity during his first official visit, which implies non-recognition of Kosovo's independence. This caused a sharp reaction in Pristina. Against the background of Kiev's strengthening contacts with Belgrade, the Kosovo authorities and society perceived Zelensky's statements as a painful signal from the state, which had previously received their support. What this aggravation of relations means is in the Izvestia article.

An unexpected blow

• Vladimir Zelensky's first official visit to Belgrade ended with agreements between Ukraine and Serbia on humanitarian and energy support. The countries also intend to prepare a free trade agreement and develop economic cooperation. At the same time, Kiev confirmed its previous position on Kosovo: Ukraine still does not recognize the independence of the republic.

• In Pristina, this decision caused sharp dissatisfaction. After Zelensky's visit, the Ukrainian flag was removed from one of the buildings in the city center. The Mayor of Pristina, Persparim Rama, attributed the decision to the need to respect the statehood of Kosovo.

In turn, Tirana also noted that long-term peace in the Western Balkans is impossible without recognition of Kosovo's independence. The Albanian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Serbia and Kosovo should remain part of a common European future, and the normalization of their relations and possible mutual recognition could end one of the most painful conflicts in the modern history of the region.

Allied conspiracy: Albania and Croatia engaged in dragging Kosovo into NATO and the EU

Is the Balkans in danger of armed confrontation and which countries can join the anti-Serb bloc?

The Invisible Ally

• Kosovo aspires to join the EU and NATO, so it tries to adhere to the policies of these organizations, including by supporting Ukraine. In May 2022, the Kosovo territory joined international sanctions against Russia and Belarus. In 2024, Kosovo went further and began providing military assistance to Ukraine, including trucks, armored vehicles, and mortar ammunition.

• Kosovo is also involved in the training of Ukrainian military personnel along with the British armed forces. For Kosovo, Ukraine's support is also part of its own struggle for independence.

• Kosovo also provides diplomatic support to Ukraine. In June 2024, the Territory participated in the first Peace Summit in Switzerland, organized by Ukraine. Its representatives emphasized that, despite the lack of recognition from Ukraine, Kosovars are well aware of what is happening to Ukrainians due to their own experience of the conflict.

• Ties between Ukraine and Kosovo have existed for a long time. Ukrainian military personnel have participated in the Local Forces Mission (KFOR) in Kosovo since 1999. In 2008, Ukrainian peacekeepers participated in clashes in Mitrovica: 15 Ukrainian special forces personnel were injured, and Senior Lieutenant Igor Kinal was killed. After the outbreak of the conflict with Russia, Ukrainian servicemen were recalled from peacekeeping missions to protect their own country.

Western traps: risks of escalation of the situation around Kosovo are growing

Why are the countries of the region preparing for an armed confrontation

• At the same time, there are no official diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Kosovo: Ukraine does not recognize its independence, although it has recognized Kosovo passports since 2020. Kiev adheres to the principle of territorial integrity and fears that recognition may look like a contradiction to this position. Nevertheless, there are social, economic, and military ties between the two countries.

• Kosovo considers support for Ukraine to be part of its European and Euro-Atlantic course. The country has applied to join the EU in 2022 and is seeking to join NATO. However, not all EU countries themselves recognize Kosovo's independence. The issue of recognition may become more relevant after the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. In the meantime, the main basis of cooperation remains the desire of both countries for European integration.

What does this mean?

• The story of Kosovo shows the price of Kiev's new policy of rapprochement with Belgrade. For Pristina, this signal turned out to be especially painful after several years of political, humanitarian and military support for Ukraine.

• For Kiev, the Serbian direction is of practical importance. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed his support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, and Belgrade is ready to develop economic ties with Kiev, help rebuild Ukrainian cities and discuss a free trade agreement. At the same time, Serbia maintains military neutrality and its own course in relations with Russia. Therefore, Zelensky's visit creates an additional channel for Ukraine to work with the state, which occupies a special position in the Balkans. Kosovo perceives this diplomacy through its own issue of independence. Pristina expects greater political solidarity from Ukraine due to the similarity of the historical experience of the two countries and the assistance that Kosovo provided to Ukraine after 2022.

• At the same time, there is no reason to talk about a complete break yet: Kosovo continues to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine, while Kiev retains its previous line on the status of the republic.