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“We regret President Zelenskyy’s comments in Belgrade, which reaffirm Ukraine’s non-recognition of the Republic of Kosovo. From the first day of Russia’s full-scale aggression, Kosovo has stood unequivocally with Ukraine,” Konjufca wrote on X.
He stressed that Kosovo has consistently supported Ukraine by condemning Russia’s invasion, aligning itself with the European Union’s common foreign and security policy, and imposing sanctions on Russia and Belarus.
According to Konjufca, Kosovo has also provided humanitarian assistance and accommodation for Ukrainian journalists, while contributing military assistance and training in support of Ukraine’s defense.
“We did this despite Ukraine’s non-recognition of our state, because solidarity with a people defending its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity is a matter of principle,” Konjufca stated.
Kosovo vs. Serbia on Russia Sanctions
Konjufca also highlighted what he described as a significant difference between Kosovo and Serbia in their responses to Russia’s invasion.
While Kosovo has imposed sanctions on Russia, Serbia has not aligned itself with the EU sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Konjufca further recalled the international process that preceded Kosovo’s declaration of independence on February 17, 2008, including UN administration, internationally mediated negotiations, the Ahtisaari Plan and the 2010 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which concluded that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law.
He rejected attempts by Russia to use Kosovo as a precedent or justification for its actions in Ukraine.
“There is no such parallel,” Konjufca wrote, arguing that Russia’s attempts to invoke Kosovo in relation to the occupation or annexation of Ukrainian territory are historically and legally unfounded.
Konjufca said Kosovo remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
He also said Pristina would welcome a decision by Kyiv to recognize Kosovo, arguing that such a move would reinforce the principles of freedom, democracy and international law that Ukraine itself is defending.
“We would welcome Ukraine’s recognition of the Republic of Kosovo. Such a decision would strengthen the very principles of freedom, democracy and international law that Ukraine itself is defending today,” he concluded.