In a powerful warning, Volodymyr Yermolenko, a prominent Ukrainian philosopher and political analyst, stated that if Russia emerges victorious in its war against Ukraine, it would mark the end of international law and pave the way for wars to become the new norm. Speaking in Pristina, where he recently attended the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, Yermolenko drew stark parallels between Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression and Kosovo’s battle against Serbian shovinism.
Yermolenko argued that a Russian victory would send a devastating message to the world, signaling the collapse of democratic systems and the rule of law, especially in Europe. He warned that a world where wars are accepted as a reality would destabilize Europe and embolden aggressive states to act with impunity.
One of the key topics Yermolenko addressed was the growing threat of hybrid warfare and Russian propaganda, which has made significant inroads in regions like the Balkans. He explained that Russia’s information warfare strategy has been particularly effective because it is adaptable and unmoored from any strong ideological base, making it easier to manipulate narratives for their benefit. In contrast, Ukraine remains committed to its core values of freedom, independence, and sovereignty, but faces the challenge of maintaining public attention and support in the face of ever-changing Russian tactics.
On the potential for Kosovo to gain recognition from Ukraine, Yermolenko suggested that such a move would be both symbolic and strategic, given the historical parallels between the two nations’ struggles for sovereignty. However, he also acknowledged the diplomatic complexities, noting that Russia’s allies could use Kosovo’s recognition as leverage to justify the annexation of Ukraine’s territories, including Crimea and eastern regions. This dynamic, he warned, could complicate Ukraine’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to build a broad coalition condemning Russian aggression.
Yermolenko further emphasized the critical role of the Ukrainian diaspora in countering Russia’s information war, urging Ukrainians abroad to effectively communicate the urgency of the situation and rally international support. He noted that while Ukrainians continue to defend their ideals, it is essential to understand the specific concerns of various international audiences and tailor messages accordingly to sway opinions.
As the situation continues to unfold, the possibility of Kosovo’s recognition by Ukraine remains an open question, but Yermolenko suggested that the growing international momentum behind Kosovo’s cause, combined with Ukraine’s own aspirations to integrate into global institutions, could eventually lead to formal recognition.
