Kosovo has stood by Ukraine since the first days of the Russian invasion, providing financial assistance, accommodation for Ukrainian journalists, and continued institutional support. At the same time, Ukraine still does not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
The contrast was highlighted once again during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Serbia, where he also spoke about Ukraine’s position on Kosovo.
Despite the support Pristina has provided to Kyiv during the war, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine does not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
Meanwhile, the list of Kosovo’s support for Ukraine is extensive.
On February 22, 2022, just days before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Kosovo government building was illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine.
On March 1, 2022, Kosovo allocated €150,000 to provide accommodation for 20 Ukrainian journalists.
On March 23, 2022, the Government of Kosovo decided to send its first humanitarian aid package to Ukraine, worth €100,000.
Support continued throughout 2023.
On February 23, 2023, the Municipality of Pristina filled the capital’s main square with Ukrainian flags, expressing Kosovo’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
On March 22, 2023, the Government of Kosovo allocated another €305,000 to support several Ukrainian journalists who had been accommodated in Kosovo.
Then, on August 14, 2024, the government decided to increase the number of Ukrainian journalists and their immediate family members who could receive temporary accommodation in Kosovo.
In Pristina, support for Ukraine has also been expressed symbolically. The Ukrainian flag has also been displayed at the Grand Hotel, while Kosovo’s institutions have continued to express solidarity with Ukraine.
From illuminating government buildings and displaying flags in public squares to providing hundreds of thousands of euros in aid and accommodation for Ukrainian citizens and journalists, Kosovo has made its position clear.
On the other hand, Ukraine still does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state.
And during his visit to Serbia, Zelenskyy maintained Kyiv’s established position on Kosovo, despite the support Pristina has provided to Ukraine over the past several years.
