Ukraine is edging closer to acknowledging the Republic of Kosovo.
Edward Joseph, an American expert on Balkan affairs, delves into the implications of a letter signed by prominent politicians from Europe and the United States, advocating for a new and closer approach by the Western countries towards Kosovo as it navigates its relations with Serbia.
According to Joseph, the primary signatory of the letter isn’t a representative from Washington or Berlin; rather, it is Oleksandr Merezhko, the head of Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
Thank you, @aliciakearns. It's an honour to stand in support of freedom, democracy, peace & stability. The free world mustn't take its eye off the ball in the #Balkans! Balance & proportionality should be our watchwords in dealing with #Kosovo & #Serbia.
▶️https://t.co/kXfqafcHZX https://t.co/WHnKnZnwGA pic.twitter.com/AcglXikRRu— Олександр Мережко (@ChairOlek) August 7, 2023
The letter underscores the fact that Kosovo is an autonomous nation. With its endorsement, the high-ranking Ukrainian politician has propelled his nation towards recognizing Kosovo’s independence, notes Joseph.
“The potential recognition of Kosovo by Ukraine could potentially encourage five European Union member states that currently withhold recognition to rethink their stance, potentially diminishing Belgrade’s sway over Pristina and possibly reducing the need for further appeals to [Serbian President Aleksandar] Vučić’s pro-Russian regime,” articulates the American professor.
Joseph emphasizes that both Washington and Brussels need to act as intermediaries in forging a definitive and honorable resolution for Kosovo.
The Head of Ukraine’s Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, Oleksandr Merezhko previously acknowledged that Ukraine does not recognize Kosovo’s independence. While the recognition matter falls under the President’s jurisdiction per the constitution, Merezhko, as a deputy, expressed his stance on the issue. He acknowledged Kosovo’s support for Ukraine and its imposition of sanctions on Russia.
