Palmer: Difficult to draw precise parallels between Kosovo and annexed Ukrainian territories; victories are not always defined by borders on a map

Former US Special Representative for the Western Balkans and current Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis Matthew Palmer told Kosovo Online that it was important for the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to end with a clear and unequivocal Ukrainian victory, but that the way he defined such a victory had very little to do with borders on a map.

“What I would like to see, and what I believe we would all like to see, is a politically stable Ukraine, with a strong and dynamic economy, oriented toward the West and integrated into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. In my view, that would be a victory for Ukraine, but also for the strategic West,” Palmer said.

He added that it was difficult to draw precise parallels between Kosovo and the annexed Ukrainian territories, and that he was not in a position to assess what concessions Russia might be prepared to make in negotiations or what the Ukrainians might be willing to accept.

“I hope that both sides will approach the negotiations seriously and reach a stable resolution of this conflict that will, I repeat, enable Ukraine to emerge as the victor,” Palmer reiterated.

He stressed that it was not up to Washington to decide what the end of the conflict should look like, but rather to Moscow and Kyiv. Palmer considers the involvement of a third party as a mediator useful and important, as it could help provide guarantees for any agreement reached.

“The United States is well positioned to assume such a role. I hope it will do so in close coordination and consultation with our European allies, who at this point are shouldering a significant share of the burden of supporting Ukraine in its resistance to Russia,” Palmer said.

The former US diplomat pointed out that there were many ways in which the conflict between Ukraine and Russia could be resolved—either brought to an end or frozen in its current state.

“But a strong Ukraine, integrated into transatlantic institutions and the European community of nations, is essential to the interests of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, Europe and the United States,” he reiterated.

Regarding the Western Balkans, Palmer said it was important for everyone in the region to have an open path toward EU and NATO membership, for those who aspire to join them.

“It is impossible to achieve that goal as long as the dispute between Belgrade and Pristina remains unresolved. I maintain, and firmly believe, that it is in the interests of both Serbia and Kosovo to resolve their differences, recognize one another and open the door to a European future for the citizens of both Serbia and Kosovo,” Palmer concluded.