Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has issued a warning, stating that Ukraine would rapidly lose all credibility if it were to recognize Kosovo’s independence. He argued that such a move would irreparably damage Ukraine’s political standing within just one day.
“By doing this, how can Ukraine claim to uphold international law? I am convinced that President [Volodymyr] Zelensky would not take such a step,” Vučić asserted on August 8.
Since February 2022, Ukraine has been grappling with Russian aggression that commenced with Moscow’s invasion. Notably, Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014.
Vučić further emphasized that Serbia views Ukraine as a friendly nation and underlined the absence of issues between the two countries.
Vučić delivered these remarks during a joint press conference alongside Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić in Belgrade. They addressed inquiries regarding a letter penned by representatives from European Union nations and the United States, urging stricter measures against Serbia.
On August 7, a group of politicians from Europe and the United States sent an official letter to EU and Washington high-ranking officials, appealing for a recalibration in their approach toward Kosovo and Serbia.
Although Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, Belgrade and Pristina have been in talks aiming to normalize their relations, mediated by the European Union.
Vučić clarified that the aforementioned letter from European and American representatives did not target him specifically but was directed at Serbia as a whole.
“While I am honored to be criticized by Alicia Kearns and Bob Menendez, I also take pride in the absence of certain previously critical names,” Vučić added.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Serbia Volodymyr Tolkach expressed on Tuesday that voices within Ukrainian society are increasingly advocating for the recognition of Kosovo’s independence. He indicated that a specific group of deputies in the Ukrainian Parliament supports the potential recognition of Kosovo.
Ukraine does not officially acknowledge Kosovo’s independence, which was declared in February 2008.
Ambassador Tolkach affirmed that Ukraine’s stance remains principled and consistent, centered on respecting Serbia’s territorial integrity.
However, Tolkach acknowledged the leadership of Kosovo for unequivocally condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine, particularly through imposing sanctions on the aggressor.
He acknowledged the escalating support for Kosovo’s independence recognition within Ukrainian society.
“Ukraine, as a democratic nation that upholds freedom of expression, cannot curtail the articulation of opinions from other politicians, professionals, or the public,” Tolkach underscored.
