“Free Ukraine” Banner Removed from Pristina After Zelensky’s Kosovo Statement: “Our State Must Be Respected”

 Pristina has removed a “Free Ukraine” banner from the city center following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement that Kyiv’s position on Kosovo’s independence remains unchanged.

 Pristina removes the "Free Ukraine" banner from a central building following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's remarks in Belgrade confirming that Kyiv's stance on Kosovo's independence remains unchanged.

The move comes after Zelensky said during his visit to Belgrade that Ukraine has not changed its position regarding the recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama responded by publishing a video showing the removal of the “Free Ukraine” inscription, which had previously been displayed in the capital as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

“The state of Kosovo must be respected. When Kosovo is not respected, the capital Pristina always responds in the same way,” Rama wrote on social media.

Rama stressed that Kosovo’s solidarity with peoples facing war, violence and persecution remains firm. However, he argued that such solidarity cannot come at the expense of Kosovo’s own statehood.

“Our empathy and solidarity will always be with peoples facing war, violence and persecution. Because we, more than many others, know what it means to fight for freedom, dignity and the right to exist as a state,” Rama said.

“But no cause and no policy can be built by belittling the statehood of Kosovo and the sacrifice of its people,” he added.

Zelensky’s statement triggers reaction in Pristina

The dispute follows Zelensky’s comments during his visit to Belgrade, where he indicated that Ukraine’s policy of not recognizing Kosovo’s independence has not changed.

Ukraine is among the European countries that do not recognize Kosovo as an independent state. Kyiv’s position has remained particularly sensitive in Pristina because Kosovo has strongly supported Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The removal of the “Free Ukraine” banner therefore carries a symbolic message: while Kosovo continues to express solidarity with Ukraine and its people, Pristina is signaling that such support does not override its demand for international recognition of Kosovo’s statehood.

The episode also highlights the complicated diplomatic position surrounding Kosovo, Ukraine and Serbia, particularly as Kyiv seeks to maintain relations with Belgrade while continuing to oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

For Pristina, however, the message from the capital is clear: solidarity is not unconditional when Kosovo’s own statehood is perceived to be disregarded.