Xani: Ukraine will recognize Kosovo, it will be a political decision of the US and the EU

Political analyst Visar Xani says for Kosovo Online that the Ukrainian recognition of Kosovo is a complicated process linked to geopolitical events in the region and the world, but that neither Ukraine nor Kosovo will have the credit for it because it will be a political decision of the US and the EU.

"Some signals may influence official Kyiv to recognize the independence of Kosovo, but this will not happen because of Kosovo's strength, but solely with the support of the US and EU countries that want to convey the political message that Kosovo's reality is much different from the current situations in which Russia and Ukraine find themselves," Xani pointed out.

He emphasizes that there are already shifts, and it is essentially insignificant whether Ukraine recognizes Kosovo now or after the end of the war with Russia.

"There are positive shifts regarding recognition by Ukraine. It takes a lot of work and dedication of world diplomacy for this to happen. We may obtain recognition, but whether it will happen now or after the war in Ukraine is a question. However, there will be a relaxation of relations and communication because Kosovo has been very engaged and fully supported Ukraine in the war with Russia," Xani emphasized.

According to him, Ukraine is showing this to some extent even now despite having problems with Russia's territorial claims.

"But Russia's claims have nothing to do with Kosovo. Kosovo is a unique case that is completely different from Russian violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity," Xani stated.

Therefore, he emphasizes, it is truly unimportant that, at this moment, the ambassadors of Ukraine in Tirana and Belgrade do not have aligned positions.

"One ambassador somehow has positive signals regarding recognition of Kosovo's independence, while the ambassador of Ukraine in Serbia remains in the past and assures Belgrade that there are no concrete steps or intentions for this country to recognize the independence of Kosovo," Xani concluded.