Rada deputy calls Ukraine’s non-recognition of Kosovo a diplomatic failure by Zelensky

Verkhovna Rada deputy Oleksiy Honcharenko has stated that Ukraine’s decision not to recognize Kosovo’s independence is a serious diplomatic failure by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The parliamentarian expressed his view on his Telegram channel.

According to Honcharenko, Kosovo is among the most pro-Ukrainian states in the Balkans. The deputy believes that Kyiv’s refusal to officially recognize the republic has a negative impact on relations with potential allies and leads to the loss of partners. Honcharenko also expressed his intention to continue advocating for Ukraine’s diplomatic recognition of Kosovo.

The statement was prompted by a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Serbia. The day before, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, during talks with Zelensky, publicly backed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and assured Kyiv of Serbia’s support on the question of EU membership — despite the fact that Serbia itself has been a candidate for EU accession for 14 years.

During the visit, Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s position on Serbia’s territorial integrity remains unchanged and confirmed that the country does not recognize Kosovo’s independence.

Earlier, the leader of Kosovo’s ruling party was pelted with eggs in parliament.