Maloku: Pristina expects Ukraine to change course and recognize Kosovo

Political scientist from Pristina, Albinot Maloku, believes that the circumstances have changed enough for Ukraine to change its stance on the non-recognition of Kosovo and join the countries that have done so because it would be in line with international law.

"Kyiv's official policy so far has been not to recognize Kosovo. This has been stated several times by the Ukrainian ambassador in Belgrade. This means that Ukraine is trying to maintain its previous stance. However, due to the circumstances and changes that have occurred, Ukraine should change this course and join the countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence and respected the opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of independence," Maloku told Kosovo Online.

Commenting on the official visit of Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to Serbia, Maloku says that Kosovo has long been waiting for a change in Ukraine's stance and that this country should follow the example of the United States but also its lawmakers in the Council of Europe.

"A number of politicians who are representatives, especially within the Council of Europe, have been trying all along to show and prove that Ukraine should follow America's policy and recognize Kosovo, establish normal diplomatic relations. At the same time, Kosovo has shown diligence and carefulness for all situations that have occurred in Ukraine from the beginning of Russian aggression until today. It is time for Ukraine to recognize Kosovo," this political scientist emphasizes.

Maloku says that such a decision would not produce negative consequences for Ukraine but quite the opposite – it would show that this country follows and demonstrates its sovereign approach to decision-making.

"Ukraine would follow its sovereign approach to issues such as recognizing Kosovo. It would show that it is sovereign and can make decisions respecting the International Court of Justice, which a few years ago gave an opinion on Kosovo and clearly stated to all countries on the planet that Kosovo's independence does not violate international law. Any other approach to this issue, attempted by some states that do not recognize Kosovo, is not based on respect for international law. Such claims are entirely political in nature and have nothing to do with respecting international law when there is already an opinion that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law," Maloku concluded.