Tolkach: Ukraine's position on the non-recognition of Kosovo is principled and has not changed

The Ambassador of Ukraine in Belgrade, Volodymyr Tolkach, stated that the position of that country was principled regarding the non-recognition of Kosovo's independence and that Ukraine respected the territorial integrity of Serbia.

In a statement delivered to Kosovo Online, Tolkach added that after reading a series of articles in the Serbian mass media regarding the interview with the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Merezhko, who was one of the signatories of the letter that the presidents of the Foreign Policy Committees of the parliaments of several countries sent to the USA, Great Britain, and the EU, could emphasize once again that it was particularly important for Ukraine to respect and ensure the protection of the norms of international law by all states, especially in terms of territorial integrity and the inviolability of internationally recognized state borders.

"Ukraine's position is principled and stable - Ukraine respects the territorial integrity of Serbia. Today, it is vital for the people of Ukraine to protect their own freedom and independence from unprovoked Russian aggression. Today, hundreds of Ukrainians are killed and thousands are seriously injured by the Russian invaders. Ukrainian society, which pays a high price for its freedom, knows that a neutral position in relation to the aggressor state in practice helps the aggressor to commit his crimes, rather than practical support for the norms of international law - the territorial integrity of Ukraine. In this context, we must recognize the unequivocal position of the Kosovo leadership regarding the condemnation of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, especially joining the sanctions against the aggressors," Tolkach said.

He added that it was therefore not surprising that more and more voices in Ukrainian society supported the recognition of Kosovo's independence.

"Therefore, it is no secret that there are a certain number of MPs in the Ukrainian Parliament - supporters of the idea of possible recognition. After all, they listen to the opinion of their own voters. Ukraine, as a democratic state that respects freedom of speech, cannot limit the free expression of other opinions of politicians, professional circles, or the public. In the conditions of Russia's comprehensive aggression against Ukraine, the issue of public and unequivocal condemnation of Russian crimes in Ukraine and providing practical assistance in the fight against the enemy is particularly sensitive for us," Tolkach said.

The Ukrainian Ambassador, however, wanted to emphasize that the issue of forming and implementing foreign policy in accordance with Ukrainian legislation belonged to the President of Ukraine, which was implemented through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

"This position remains unchanged. This is exactly what Oleksandr Merezhko expressed in his interview. Unfortunately, although Serbia declares its support for Ukraine, it has developed an active political dialogue and economic cooperation with the aggressor country and has not joined the introduction of sanctions against the aggressor state yet. Information appears in the Serbian press about private Serbian companies helping the aggressor to circumvent sanctions by supplying parts for missiles and drones that kill Ukrainians. Therefore, we once again call on the EU candidate country Serbia to change its foreign policy, especially regarding the aggression of the Russian Federation on another candidate country - Ukraine, to align with the position of the common European family. I am convinced that every practical step taken by the Serbian side to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression will be a strong argument for the protection of Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty," Tolkach said.