Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko is known as one of the supporters of our state.
For some time now, he has been working to have Ukraine recognize the independence of Kosovo, while supporting our state in dialogue with Serbia.
In addition to this, he emphasized in a conversation with “Bota sot” that there are continuous provocations from the Serbian side, while he does not expect any progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.
“The Kosovo-Serbia negotiations are at a critical stage. Continuous provocations from the Serbian side are hindering progress. But I hope that with Western mediation, a solution will be found and the people of Kosovo will finally live in peace,” declared the Ukrainian MP.
He also mentioned the influence of Russia and its interest in causing new conflicts.
“Russia’s influence in Serbia and its broader strategic interests in the Balkans could indeed lead to increased tension or conflict in the region. Moscow may see instability in the Balkans as a way to distract and divide Western attention and resources,” stated Oleksiy Goncharenko to “Bota sot.”
The recent meetings in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, whether at the high level or that of the chief negotiators, have a common denominator: ending without concrete results.
The parties, which have been dialoguing since 2011 under the mediation of the European Union, constantly blame each other for the non-implementation of existing agreements or for the failure of the dialogue, while the EU has emphasized that there is a lack of political will to implement the agreements.
Kosovo and Serbia also have different views on the conclusion of the normalization process of relations. Kosovo seeks mutual recognition, while Serbia wants a compromise where “neither side will be an absolute winner or an absolute loser.”
The latest agreement reached by the parties, in 2023, was the one on the path to normalizing relations – also known as the Ohrid Agreement – which Brussels considers a significant achievement.
