Ukraine’s position on the recognition of Kosovo remains unchanged, but the issue has not been removed from Kyiv’s foreign-policy agenda, the Ukrainian Embassy in Albania told Gazeta Express, saying the country could return to the question after emerging from the war with Russia.
The clarification follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent comments in Serbia, where he said Kyiv’s position on Kosovo’s status had not changed. His remarks sparked disappointment in Kosovo, including criticism over the subsequent removal of a “Freedom for Ukraine” flag that had been displayed on the Hotel Grand in central Prishtina since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
In an exclusive response to Gazeta Express, the Ukrainian Embassy in Tirana said Zelenskyy had not announced any change in policy during his visit to Serbia.
“The President simply answered a journalist’s question regarding Ukraine’s recognition or non-recognition of Kosovo. Nothing in the President’s response differed from Ukraine’s consistent position on this issue,” the embassy said.
Kyiv praises Kosovo’s support for Ukraine
The embassy stressed that Ukraine’s refusal to recognize Kosovo should not be interpreted as a lack of appreciation for Prishtina’s support since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
“Ukraine highly values the solidarity and support provided by the people and institutions of Kosovo to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression,” the embassy said.
Kyiv also praised Kosovo for aligning with international sanctions against Russia and for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The Ukrainian diplomatic mission emphasized that its position on Kosovo’s status and its assessment of Kosovo’s support for Ukraine are separate issues.
Recognition remains on Ukraine’s foreign-policy agenda
Asked whether Ukraine could reconsider its position on Kosovo’s independence, the embassy said any such decision would have to be taken by the relevant Ukrainian state authorities in accordance with national interests, Ukrainian law, the Constitution and international law.
The embassy nevertheless made clear that the issue has not been permanently closed.
“The issue of recognition has not been closed or removed from Ukraine’s foreign-policy agenda,” the embassy said, adding that Kyiv would be able to return to the matter and other important international issues once it emerges from the war imposed on it by Russia.
For now, the embassy said Ukraine’s absolute priority is protecting its population, sovereignty and territorial integrity and bringing the war to an end.
The embassy also pointed to Kosovo’s own experience of war and suffering, saying it was confident that Kosovars could understand why Kyiv currently cannot prioritize the recognition issue.
Ukraine recognizes Kosovo passports for visa purposes
The embassy highlighted one practical step taken by Ukraine toward Kosovo.
Since March 25, 2019, Ukraine has accepted ordinary Kosovo-issued civil passports for visa processing. According to the embassy, the measure was introduced to facilitate and normalize travel to Ukraine, particularly for humanitarian reasons.
However, Kyiv maintains that accepting Kosovo passports for consular purposes does not constitute de jure recognition of Kosovo.
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s longstanding position during his visit to Serbia, saying Kyiv respects the territorial integrity of its partners and international law, while maintaining its existing position on Kosovo.
He also expressed gratitude to Serbia for respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, including Crimea.
For Kosovo, the message from Kyiv is therefore mixed: recognition remains off the table for now, but the issue has not been abandoned permanently. Ukraine says its immediate focus remains surviving the Russian war, while leaving open the possibility of revisiting Kosovo’s status once the conflict is over.
