On 9 August, a large Ukrainian flag and a «Free Ukraine» banner, which had been hanging on a building in the centre of Pristina for around four years, were taken down. Mayor Perparim Rama linked the decision to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement in Belgrade regarding Kyiv’s unchanged position on not recognising Kosovo’s independence. Rama stated that support for Ukrainians suffering from the war remains unchanged.
Briefly about the main points
- The Ukrainian flag and a «Free Ukraine» banner were removed in Pristina.
- The mayor described the decision as a response to the lack of respect for Kosovo’s statehood.
- In Belgrade, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Kyiv’s position on Kosovo.
- Kosovo had previously imposed sanctions on Russia and provided assistance to Ukraine.
- Vučić reaffirmed his support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The mayor described the dismantling as a gesture of mutual respect
He himself posted footage of the dismantling on social media Perparim Rama. According to him, «when Kosovo is not respected, the capital, Pristina, always responds in kind». In other words, the mayor described mutual respect as a guiding principle of the city authorities.
Rama stated that policy should not be based on downplaying Kosovo’s statehood and the suffering of its people. At the same time, he emphasised that Pristina would continue to show solidarity with people experiencing war, violence and persecution. Consequently, the removal was a political gesture by the city authorities, rather than a declaration of a withdrawal of solidarity with the Ukrainians.
What Zelenskyy said during his visit to Serbia
On 8 August, the President of Ukraine visited Serbia and held talks with its President Aleksandar Vučić. At a press conference Zelensky stated that Ukraine adheres to international law, respects Serbia’s territorial integrity, and that its position on Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence remains unchanged.
The President also thanked Belgrade for its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, particularly with regard to Crimea. Kyiv does not officially recognise Kosovo’s independence, declared in 2008. Serbia considers Kosovo to be part of its territory, whilst its independence has been recognised by the United States and a significant number of European states.
Kosovo’s support for Ukraine and reactions to the President’s remarks
Following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Kosovo joined the West in imposing sanctions against Moscow, provided humanitarian and medical aid to Ukraine, agreed to take in Ukrainian refugees, and implemented a programme for Ukrainian journalists. The Ukrainian flag in the city centre was one of the most visible symbols of this support.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania Ditmir Bushati stated that Zelenskyy could have shown more gratitude to his partners in South-Eastern Europe, particularly Kosovo. During the talks, Vučić reaffirmed his support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, including the territories seized by Russia after 2014. Kyiv and Belgrade also agreed to develop economic relations and work towards a free trade agreement.
