Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko has openly called President Volodymyr Zelensky’s position on Kosovo a “huge diplomatic mistake.”
According to Goncharenko, Russia’s argument that recognizing Kosovo could be used against Ukraine no longer holds. Putin already used the so-called DPR and LPR as a pretext for war, recognized them, and later attempted to annex them.
His message is clear: Russia’s Kosovo “blackmail” should no longer dictate Ukraine’s foreign policy.
Goncharenko also warned that Ukraine risks losing Kosovo as one of its most reliable supporters in the Balkans. The removal of the “Free Ukraine” banner in Prishtina, he said, should be seen as a warning sign.
While Ukraine is fighting for its own territorial integrity and international recognition, the question remains: why is Kyiv still refusing to recognize Kosovo’s independence?
Kosovo stood with Ukraine when it needed solidarity. Ukraine should not forget who stood beside it.
