Ukrainian media have widely reported on the backlash in Kosovo following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s first official visit to Serbia, where he reaffirmed Ukraine’s position that Kosovo is not an independent state.
The statement triggered strong reactions in Kosovo, particularly given Pristina’s consistent support for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. On August 9, a large Ukrainian “Free Ukraine” banner was removed from a building in central Prishtina, a move that quickly attracted significant attention across the Ukrainian media.
Among the outlets covering the development were The Kyiv Independent, The New Voice of Ukraine, Ukrainska Pravda, European Pravda, Hromadske, Babel, TSN, 24 Kanal and Espreso.
The Kyiv Independent reported under the headline “Kosovo must be respected”, highlighting the backlash following Zelensky’s reaffirmation that Kyiv’s position on Kosovo’s independence remains unchanged.
Ukrainian outlets also emphasized Kosovo’s support for Ukraine throughout the war against Russia. During his meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Zelensky referred to Ukraine’s respect for Serbia’s territorial integrity and international law while maintaining Kyiv’s position on Kosovo.
The New Voice of Ukraine highlighted that the “Free Ukraine” banner had stood in central Pristina since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama shared footage of its removal, stating that “the state of Kosovo must be respected.”
Rama’s message — “When Kosovo is not respected, Pristina responds” — was widely quoted by Ukrainian media.
Hromadske also focused on Rama’s argument that no cause or political agenda can be built by undermining Kosovo’s statehood and the sacrifices made by its people.
Meanwhile, Babel recalled Kosovo’s concrete support for Ukraine, while other Ukrainian outlets described the removal of the banner as a “demonstrative move” following Zelensky’s visit to Belgrade.
Former Kosovo Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli also reacted, calling Zelensky’s statement “deeply disappointing” and pointing to Kosovo’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
The message from Pristina was clear: support is not unconditional when Kosovo’s own statehood is denied.
